je vous aime maman et papa
The English phrase "I love you mom and dad" is translated into French as je vous aime maman et papa.
This phrase is an expression of affection used to tell one's parents that they are loved.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), vous (you – plural), aime (love), maman (mom), et (and) and papa (dad).
Which one should you use?
While je t'aime is used for a single person, you must use je vous aime when addressing both parents together.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using maman and papa is the standard, affectionate way to address parents, whereas mère and père would be much more formal and distant. An informal alternative is Je vous adore, papa et maman, which means "I adore you, mom and dad".
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun vous is used here because the speaker is addressing two people (mom and dad).
Did you know?
- In French culture, expressing love to parents with je vous aime is often accompanied by la bise, the traditional cheek-kissing greeting.
- The pronoun vous is a direct relative of the Italian word voi and the Russian word вы.
- The words maman and papa are examples of baby talk that have survived into standard adult French. They originated from the repetitive sounds infants make when learning to speak.
Example conversation
Emma is writing a heartfelt card for her parents' anniversary.
- EmmaJe veux écrire : Je vous aime maman et papa.I want to write: I love you mom and dad.
- NathanC'est une très belle phrase, Emma.That is a very beautiful phrase, Emma.
- EmmaIls seront sûrement très touchés par ce message.They will surely be very touched by this message.
- NathanOui, ils t'aiment beaucoup aussi.Yes, they love you a lot too.
