Learn Hardcore French: Nous aimerions vous voir au mariage de Paul, même si vous êtes très occupé. - We would like to see you at Paul’s wedding, even if you are very busy.

It translates to "we would like." The conditional mood is used to express a polite desire or invitation rather than a direct command, making the request softer and more courteous.

Why is "voir" in its infinitive form after "aimerions"?

In French, when a conjugated verb like "aimerions" (we would like) is followed by another verb, that verb is typically in the infinitive form. So "voir" (to see) remains in its base form to complete the expression of what is desired.

What is the role of "au" in "au mariage de Paul", and what does the phrase mean?

"Au" is a contraction of "à + le." Since "mariage" is a masculine singular noun, "à le" contracts to "au". Therefore, "au mariage de Paul" means "at Paul's wedding."

How does the clause "même si vous êtes très occupé" function in the sentence?

This clause means "even though you are very busy." It introduces a concession, suggesting that the invitation stands regardless of the fact that you may have a busy schedule. The phrase softens the request by acknowledging a potential objection.

Why is "occupé" not altered to reflect that "vous" could be plural or refer to a feminine individual?

In French, adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. Here, "occupé" stays in the masculine singular form, which is appropriate if "vous" is addressing one person in a formal context (when used as a singular polite form) or a group of mixed gender where the masculine form is used as the default. If the group were exclusively feminine or if referring to a single woman, the adjective would need to change to "occupées" or "occupée," respectively.