Je m'aime
The English phrase "I love myself" is expressed in French as Je m'aime.
This phrase is used to express that a person has a high opinion of themselves or feels self-affection. The phrase 'Je m'aime' is reflexive, meaning the subject and the object of the verb are the same person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Je (I), m' (myself/me) and aime (love).
Which one should you use?
To emphasize the reflexive nature of self-love, you can add the phrase moi-même after Je m'aime. You can use Je m'adore to express self-love in a more playful or enthusiastic manner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, Je trippe sur moi can be used to express self-love.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses a reflexive pronoun m' which is a contraction of me before a word starting with a vowel. To express the phrase in the imperfect tense, you use Je m'aimais. To express the phrase in the simple future tense, you use Je m'aimerai. Related verbs include Adorer (to adore), Apprécier (to appreciate), Chérir (to cherish) and Estimer (to esteem).
Did you know?
- While Je m'aime expresses self-love, adding bien to say Je m'aime bien actually softens the meaning to 'I like myself', making it sound less narcissistic.
- In Quebec, you might hear the slangy expression Je trippe sur moi to express being infatuated with oneself. It uses a localized version of the English word 'trip'.
- The word 'je' shares a distant, ancient root with the Latin 'ego', which is the source of the English word 'ego'.
Examples in context
- Je m'aime.I love myself.This sentence is a simple statement of self-love.Tatoeba #1123042 by sacredceltic, translation #1121857 by cntrational
- Je m'aime davantage et je permets aux autres de m'aimer.I love myself more and allow other people to love me.This sentence expresses how loving oneself allows one to let others love them.Tatoeba #8223630 by josivangoncalves, translation #8222207 by josivangoncalves
- Je m'aime comme je suis.I love myself as I am.
- Je m'aime moi-même, sans condition.I love myself, unconditionally.
- Je m'aime bien parce que je suis unique.I love myself because I am unique.
- Je m'adore et je me traite avec bienveillance.I adore myself and treat myself with kindness.
- Je m'aime beaucoup quand je réussis.I love myself a lot when I succeed.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about self-confidence during a coffee break.
- HugoIl faut apprendre à s'apprécier.You have to learn to appreciate yourself.
- LéaC'est vrai, je m'aime enfin telle que je suis.It's true, I finally love myself as I am.
- HugoC'est une excellente mentalité, Léa.That is an excellent mindset, Léa.
- LéaMerci, ça me rend plus heureuse.Thank you, it makes me happier.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
