French Phrase
J'aime lire et randonner.
Meaning
The sentence means “I like reading and hiking.” It uses the verb aimer followed by two infinitives, a typical structure for stating personal preferences in French.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re talking about your hobbies, answering a question about free‑time activities, or introducing yourself in a casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
J'aimelireetrandonner
Contraction J'
The subject pronoun "je" contracts to "j'" before a vowel or mute h for smoother pronunciation.
Aimer (present)
"aime" is the 1st person singular present form of the verb aimer, used to express likes or loves.
Infinitive after aimer
When parler of preferences, aimer is followed directly by an infinitive verb (e.g., lire, randonner).
Coordinating conjunction "et"
"et" links two infinitives to show that both activities are liked.
Randonner
"randonner" is a regular -er verb meaning “to go hiking”.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est‑ce que tu aimes faire pendant ton temps libre ?
What do you like to do in your free time?
J'aime lire et randonner.
I like reading and hiking.
✕Common Mistakes
J'aime à lire et randonner.
Do not add the preposition "à" after "aime"; the infinitive follows directly.
J'aime lire et à randonner.
The conjunction "et" already links the two verbs; adding "à" before the second verb is incorrect.
J'aime lire et randonnée.
After "aimer" you need an infinitive verb, not a noun.
↔Alternatives
J'adore lire et faire de la randonnée.
I love reading and going hiking.
J'aime la lecture et la randonnée.
I like reading and hiking.
J'aime lire ainsi que randonner.
I like reading as well as hiking.
Cultural Tip
In French, "aimer" can mean both “to like” and “to love.” Context tells you which intensity is meant. "Randonner" is a very popular pastime in France because of the extensive network of marked trails (GR routes). Many speakers also say "faire de la randonnée" – both are correct, but the infinitive form fits naturally after "aimer."