Hi. How can I tell the difference between 'aimer' & 'plaire'?

Question

Ron Thomas · Answer

Bonjour Lynden,  Alors, when someone says, for example, "J'aime beaucoup de fleurs" that is saying the person like flower a lot.  However, when someone says,  Le chien me plaît beaucoup, that is saying that the dog pleases him/her a lot.  Plaire is somewhat of a more passive expression to me.  It can also translate as "something gives you pleasure."
Votre question me plaît beaucoup.

Ron

Aurélie Drouard · Answer

Bonjour Lynden  (and Ron) !

Little note for Ron first:  you would say "J'aime beaucoup les fleurs".
-> "J'aime beaucoup de fleurs" means "I like a lot *of* flowers"

As for the difference between "aimer" and "plaire", it's mostly an issue of structure, as Ron pointed out, but the meaning is quite similar when it comes to things:
"J'aime ces tableaux."  =  "Ces tableaux me plaisent."  =  I like these paintings.

However, be aware that using "plaire" with people implies that you find them attractive:
"Paul me plaît."  = I find Paul attractive.

For more information on these nuances, please see our related lessons:
https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/how-to-use-plaire-to-express-liking-something-someone
https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/how-to-use-aimer-to-express-loving-and-liking-something-someone

I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !

Ron Thomas · Answer

Merci, Aurélie

Lynden Derrick · Answer

Merci beaucoup Ron et Aurelie. Very helpful.