j'adore le pain
The English phrase "I love bread" is translated into French as j'adore le pain.
This phrase is used to express a strong liking or passion for bread in general.
What does it mean word for word?
The literal translation is "I adore the bread". In this context, the article le (the) is used to express a general preference for the category of food.
Which one should you use?
While j'aime le pain means "I like bread", using j'adore le pain is a more natural way for French speakers to express a strong passion or "love" for a food item.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a general liking for a food or a substance in French, you must use the definite article le (the) rather than omitting it as you would in English.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying j'adore pain. English speakers often mistakenly omit the article before pain, but you must include le to indicate the general category of bread.
Did you know?
- The word pain is a cognate of the English word 'companion', which literally means someone you share 'bread' with.
- In France, the 'Decret Pain' law dictates that a traditional baguette must only contain flour, water, salt and yeast.
- While 'adore' in English often carries a religious or romantic connotation, the French adore is perfectly standard and common for expressing strong enthusiasm for everyday objects like food.
Examples in context
- J'adore le pain.I love bread.This sentence is useful for expressing that you love bread using j'adore le pain.Tatoeba #5545332 by sacredceltic, translation #4755376 by garborg
- Pour le petit déjeuner, j'adore le pain.For breakfast, I love bread.
Example conversation
At a local bakery.
- NathanTu veux acheter un croissant ?Do you want to buy a croissant?
- ManonNon, mais j'adore le pain.No, but I love bread.
- NathanMoi aussi, la baguette est délicieuse.Me too, the baguette is delicious.
- ManonOui, prenons une baguette pour Nathan et moi.Yes, let's take a baguette for Nathan and me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
