j'aime ma maman
The English phrase "I love my mum" is translated into French as j'aime ma maman.
This phrase is a statement used to express deep affection for one's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I) elided to aime (love), ma (my, feminine singular) and maman (mum).
Which one should you use?
While j'aime ma maman is the equivalent of saying "I love my mum", using the word mère instead of maman makes the sentence the more formal equivalent of "I love my mother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using maman makes the expression sound more affectionate, intimate or childlike compared to using the more formal mère.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb aimer (to love/like) undergoes elision when the subject je precedes a verb starting with a vowel, changing je aime to j'aime.
Did you know?
- In French, the verb aimer can be modified with the adverb bien to actually weaken the sentiment. Saying je l'aime bien often means you 'like' someone as a friend, whereas je l'aime alone signifies deep love.
- In many French-speaking cultures, calling your mother maman well into adulthood is a common way to signal a close, warm emotional bond.
- The word maman is actually a form of 'nursery language' that originated from the way infants babble, similar to the English 'mama'.
Examples in context
- J'aime ma maman.I love my mum.This sentence is useful for expressing the sentiment of j'aime ma maman.Tatoeba #651410 by Aiji, translation #651397 by sundown
- J'aime ma maman de tout mon cœur.I love my mum with all my heart.
- Même si elle est sévère, j'aime ma maman.Even if she is strict, I love my mum.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about their families.
- LucasRegarde la photo de ma famille.Look at the photo of my family.
- ManonElle est très gentille.She is very kind.
- LucasC'est vrai, j'aime ma maman.That's true, I love my mum.
- ManonMoi aussi j'aime la mienne.I love mine too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ma, maman, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
