Saying “I love you” in French can be something very simple or it can be heard pompous to provoke intensity of eloquence. Either way, you will make yourself understood. This is the way to do it.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: The Basics
Step 1. Decide which verb you prefer to use
You can use “aimer” (to love), “adorer” (to adore) or “désirer” (to wish).
"Aimer" is the strongest emotion of the three verbs. Don't use it if you don't feel it
Step 2. Use "you" in the first person
It is unlikely that you will formally tell someone unknown that you love them!
- "You" and "vous" are the ways to address a person. "You" is used for people you know well or for children.
- In “je t’aime” the form “tu” is written and pronounced “t” because it follows a vowel. It literally translates to "I love you."
- If you want to be more formal, you can say "je vous aime" (ye vuz em).
Step 3. Learn some basic phrases:
- "Je t'aime": "I love you" (yet em)
- "Je t'adore": "I adore you" (yet ador)
- "Je te désire" or "j'ai envie de toi": "I wish you" (ye desir or yen vi de tua)
Step 4. Practice before saying them
If you are nervous, practice will help you a lot. Telling someone you love them can be exciting or scary, but saying it in French will make it very romantic. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)
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Pronounce it well. French sounds different from Spanish.
- The “j” in “je” is pronounced like “ye”.
- The "e" in "je" is pronounced like "e" but more closed.
- "T'aime" is pronounced "tem."
Method 2 of 2: Enhance it
Step 1. Use loving expressions
Normally an "I love you" is accompanied by something else, something extra. Make it even more memorable by adding a personal touch.
- "Je t'aime, toi" emphasizes that you love only that person.
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You can lovingly tell him:
- To a woman: “ma chérie” (ma sherí)
- To a man: “mon chéri” (mon sherí), the "n" is nasal
- "Mon amour": "My love" (mon amur)
- "Ma belle": "My beautiful" (ma bel)
- "Mon chou": "Honey" (moh sho) (informal)
Step 2. Make it lively
You don't have to say the usual "I love you". There are many ways to express what you feel (although it can be a bit more complicated).
- “Je t'aimerai pour toujours”: “I will love you forever” (ye tameré pur tuyurs)
- "T'es l'amour de ma vie": "You are the love of my life" (tu e lamur de ma vi)
- “Je t'aime plus qu'hier et moins que demain”: “I love you more than yesterday and less than I will love you tomorrow” (ye tem plus que ier e mua que demain)
Step 3. Prepare for an answer
The conversation doesn't end here! Get ready for an answer or to request additional information!
- "Est-ce que tu m'aimes?": "Do you love me?" (is that your meem)
- "Moi aussi, je t'aime": "I love you too" (mua osí, ye tem)
- "Veux-tu m'épouser?": "Will you marry me?" (do you see me?)