j'adore les fleurs
The English phrase "I love flowers" is translated to French as j'adore les fleurs.
This phrase is used to express a strong, general liking for flowers.
Which one should you use?
While j'adore les fleurs is a common way to say "I love flowers" regarding objects, the phrase j'aime les fleurs is slightly weaker and translates more closely to "I like flowers" in this context.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a general liking for a category of things, such as flowers, you must use the definite article les (the) rather than omitting it as is done in English.
Did you know?
- Giving yellow les fleurs can be a risky gesture in France, as yellow flowers traditionally symbolize infidelity or jealousy.
- French has a specific word, le langage des fleurs, referring to a complex 19th-century system where different types of les fleurs conveyed secret messages.
- To avoid a romantic misunderstanding, a French speaker might say j'aime bien les fleurs to specifically mean they 'quite like' them rather than 'love' them.
Examples in context
- J'adore les fleurs.I love flowers.This sentence is useful for expressing a general love for flowers using j'adore les fleurs.Tatoeba #4592103 by sacredceltic, translation #2458641 by Hybrid
- En été, j'adore les fleurs.In summer, I love flowers.
- Comme c'est beau, j'adore les fleurs.It is so beautiful, I love flowers.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are walking through a botanical garden.
- ChloéRegarde ce jardin, j'adore les fleurs !Look at this garden, I love flowers!
- LucasC'est vrai, elles sont magnifiques.It's true, they are magnificent.
- ChloéLucas, tu en veux aussi ?Lucas, do you want some too?
- LucasNon merci, je préfère les plantes vertes.No thanks, I prefer green plants.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
