Je t'aime, maman
The English phrase "I love you, mommy" is translated into French as Je t'aime, maman.
Which one should you use?
While maman is used for "mommy", the word mère is the more formal and biological term for "mother".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Je t'aime, maman, Je t'aime fort, maman and Je t'adore, maman are all informal ways to express affection. The term maman specifically is the informal, affectionate term for mother, equivalent to "mommy" or "mom" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
If a child were using the formal vous to address their mother (though rare in this specific context), the phrase would change to Je vous aime, maman.
Did you know?
- The word maman actually shares a root with the English word 'mammal', as both stem from the same primitive sound used by infants globally.
- While English speakers often use 'mommy' as a cute way to speak, in French, maman is the standard, everyday term used by people of all ages, not just small children.
- Historically, some French children used the formal vous with their parents, making Je vous aime, maman a sign of respect in upper-class families.
Examples in context
- Dis-lui « Je t'aime, maman ».Tell her, "I love you, mommy."
- Il a écrit : « Je t'aime, maman ».He wrote, "I love you, mommy."
Example conversation
A young boy is giving a drawing to his mother.
- LucasRegarde mon dessin, maman !Look at my drawing, mommy!
- ManonC'est magnifique, mon Lucas.It is magnificent, my Lucas.
- LucasJe t'aime, maman.I love you, mommy.
- ManonMoi aussi, je t'aime très fort.Me too, I love you very much.
