Je vous aime tous les deux
The English phrase "I love you both" is translated into French as Je vous aime tous les deux.
This phrase is used to express affection for two people at the same time.
What does it mean word for word?
A literal translation of the phrase is "I you love all the two".
Which one should you use?
While Je vous aime tous les deux specifies exactly two people, Je vous aime tous is used for a group of three or more.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun vous is used here to address two people simultaneously. If the two people being addressed are both female, you must change 'tous' to the feminine 'toutes' to say Je vous aime toutes les deux.
Did you know?
- The word vous shares a common ancestor with the Italian word voi and the Russian word вы.
- While vous is used here for two people, it was historically a formal pronoun used to show respect to a single person of higher social rank.
- In French, the verb aimer is used both for romantic love and for liking something, but adding tous les deux often clarifies the depth of the emotion.
Examples in context
- Je vous aime tous les deux.I love you both.This example shows how to say "I love you both" using Je vous aime tous les deux.Tatoeba #1997638 by sacredceltic, translation #1887559 by CK
- Je vous aime tous les deux. Que votre amour soit éternel!I love you both. May your love be eternal!
- Ne vous inquiétez pas, je vous aime tous les deux.Don't worry, I love you both.
Example conversation
Nathan is saying goodbye to his parents.
- NathanJe pars maintenant. Je vous aime tous les deux !I'm leaving now. I love you both!
- LéaNous aussi, on t'aime, Nathan.We love you too, Nathan.
- NathanÀ bientôt alors !See you soon then!
- LéaBon voyage, mon chéri.Safe travels, my dear.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deux, je, les, tous, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
