je t'aime, ma femme
The English phrase "I love you, my wife" is translated into French as je t'aime, ma femme.
This phrase is used by a husband to express his love for his wife. While ma femme literally means "my wife", it is more common in romantic contexts to use mon amour (my love) or ma chérie (my darling) rather than the formal noun for a spouse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, Je t'aime, ma blonde. means I love you, my girlfriend/wife.
Did you know?
- If you were to look at the very distant ancestors of the word femme, you would find a verbal root meaning 'to suck' or 'to suckle'.
- While femme means 'wife', it is also the general word for 'woman' in French.
- If a husband says je t'aime to his wife, he is using the same verb form used for a child, a parent, or a romantic partner.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are relaxing together at home.
- LucasJe t'aime, ma femme.I love you, my wife.
- LéaOh, c'est très gentil, Lucas.Oh, that's very sweet, Lucas.
- LucasTu es la meilleure.You are the best.
- LéaJe t'aime aussi.I love you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries femme, je, ma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
