Je t'aime
neutral, family
To a parent, child, brother or sister you can say Je t'aime. Add the person's title for warmth, as in Je t'aime, maman. It is also called Je t'adore and Je t'aime fort.
Meaning: declaration of affection (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Je t'aime | neutral, family |
| Je t'adore | casual |
| Je t'aime fort | warm |
Je t'aime is used with family, but many French families say it less often than English speakers do, so it feels sincere when you do. Je t'aime fort adds "a lot" and is common with children.
Which one should you use?
Je t'adore is lighter and fits siblings or cousins. Nothing changes with the gender of the relative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use je t'aime with people you address as tu. If you say vous to an older relative, write je vous aime, though this is rare in speech.
Did you know?
- In French the word for "kisses" at the end of a message to family is bisous, and it is often written right after je t'aime.
Examples in context
- Je t'aime fort, papa.I love you a lot, Dad.
- Je t'adore, ma petite sœur.I adore you, my little sister.
Example conversation
Inès says goodbye to her mother Nadia at a train station in Lille.
- InèsJe t'aime, maman.I love you, Mom.
- NadiaMoi aussi, ma chérie. Appelle-moi ce soir.Me too, darling. Call me tonight.
- InèsPromis. Bisous.Promise. Kisses.
- NadiaBon voyage.Have a good trip.
