Bonjour, mon amour
The English phrase "hello, my love" is translated into French as Bonjour, mon amour.
This phrase is a romantic greeting used to say hello to a partner or spouse. Bonjour, mon amour is typically used as a greeting during the day, whereas Bonsoir, mon amour would be used in the evening.
Which one should you use?
Bonjour, mon amour is the standard way to say "hello, my love", while Salut, mon amour is a more casual, informal version that translates to "hi, my love".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase mon amour, the possessive adjective mon is used regardless of the gender of the person being addressed, even though amour is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- While mon amour is deeply romantic, French speakers often use animal-based terms of endearment like mon chou (my cabbage) or ma puce (my flea) for the same level of affection.
- The word bonjour is not just a greeting but a social requirement. Failing to say it when entering a small shop in France can be perceived as a significant sign of rudeness.
- The possessive mon in mon amour may have been influenced by the ancient Gaulish word mon, which existed before the Roman conquest of France.
Examples in context
- Salut, mon amour. Comment ça va aujourd'hui?Hi, my love. How are you today?
- Bonjour, mon amour, tu as bien dormi ?Hello, my love, did you sleep well?
- Bonjour, mon amour, je t'ai attendue.Hello, my love, I have been waiting for you.
- Bonjour, mon amour, tu es magnifique aujourd'hui.Hello, my love, you look beautiful today.
Example conversation
Hugo arrives home in the morning to see Emma.
- EmmaBonjour, mon amour, tu es enfin là.Hello, my love, you are finally here.
- HugoBonjour, Emma, je suis rentré tôt.Hello, Emma, I came home early.
- EmmaJe suis contente de te voir.I am happy to see you.
- HugoMoi aussi, ma chérie.Me too, my darling.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bonjour, amour, bonjour, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
