Je t'aime, maman
The English phrase "i love you, mummy" is translated into French as Je t'aime, maman.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Je t'aime, maman is composed of Je (I), t (you), aime (love) and maman (mummy).
Which one should you use?
The standard form Je t'aime, maman uses the informal tu form. In contrast, Je vous aime, maman would be used if you were addressing multiple people or using a formal tone, though the latter is highly unusual when speaking to one's mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term Maman is an affectionate, informal term for mother, whereas mère is a more formal or biological term. Other informal variations include Je t'adore, Maman (I adore you, Mom) and Je t'aime maman (I love you, Mom).
Did you know?
- While Je t'aime means 'I love you', adding the word bien to create Je t'aime bien actually weakens the sentiment to 'I like you'.
- In France, the gesture of 'la bise' (kissing on the cheeks) often accompanies the phrase Je t'aime, maman as a physical expression of affection.
- The word maman is an example of 'nursery language', where the sounds are chosen because they are among the first a baby can physically produce.
Examples in context
- Je t'aime, maman.I love you, mummy.
- Dis-lui : Je t'aime, maman.Tell her: I love you, mummy.
- Elle a dit, Je t'aime, maman.She said, I love you, mummy.
Example conversation
Emma is hugging her mother before going to school.
- EmmaJe t'aime, maman !I love you, mummy!
- GabrielMoi aussi je t'aime, Emma.I love you too, Emma.
- EmmaÀ tout à l'heure !See you later!
- GabrielBonne journée, ma chérie.Have a good day, sweetheart.
