chéri
/ʃe.ʁi/
The English term "hun" can be translated into French as chéri.
In French, terms like chéri are used as endearing names equivalent to "hun" or "darling". Other common ways to address someone you deeply care for include mon amour (my love) or ma puce (sweetie or honey).
Meaning: member of nomadic tribe (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In regions such as Brittany, the endearing term ma caille is also used.
How do you pronounce it?
The word chéri is pronounced /ʃe.ʁi/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word chéri shares an ancient linguistic root with the Arabic word šarʕ, which relates to 'law' or 'path'.
- While English speakers use 'hun' for almost anyone in service industries, using chéri in a French shop or restaurant would be seen as highly inappropriate or overly flirtatious. It is strictly a term for people with a personal bond.
- French speakers often use 'animal' nicknames for endearment, such as ma puce (my flea) or mon lapin (my rabbit). While these sound strange to English speakers, they are just as common as using chéri.
Examples in context
- Comment ça va, chéri?How are you doing, hun?
- Viens ici, ma puceCome here, hun
- Je t'aime, ma cailleI love you, hun
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are having breakfast together.
- HugoTu veux du café, chéri ?Do you want some coffee, honey?
- ManonOui, s'il te plaît, Hugo.Yes, please, Hugo.
- HugoVoici ton café, Manon.Here is your coffee, Manon.
- ManonMerci, mon chéri !Thank you, my hun!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chéri, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chéri, CC BY-SA 4.0.
