Je t'aime
standard
In Cajun French you can say Je t'aime for "I love you". Louisiana speakers often add the endearment cher for a man or chère for a woman. It is also called Je t'aime, chère and Je t'aime, cher.
Meaning: expression of love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Je t'aime | standard |
| Je t'aime, chère | to a woman, Louisiana |
| Je t'aime, cher | to a man, Louisiana |
The phrase is used between partners, family members and close friends. Adding cher or chère makes it warmer.
Which one should you use?
The words are the same as in other varieties of French. The Louisiana touch comes from the endearments and the accent.
How do you pronounce it?
Cher and chère are both said close to "sha" in Louisiana.
Did you know?
- Cajun French is closely tied to Louisiana's Acadian heritage, which is how the word Cajun itself came from Acadien.
Examples in context
- Je t'aime, cher.I love you, dear.
- Je t'aime de tout mon cœur.I love you with all my heart.
Example conversation
Joseph says goodnight to his wife Annie on the porch of their house near Lafayette.
- JosephIl est tard, chère.It is late, dear.
- AnnieOui, allons dormir.Yes, let us go to sleep.
- JosephJe t'aime, chère.I love you, dear.
- AnnieJe t'aime aussi.I love you too.
