j'adore ton sourire
The English phrase "I love your smile" is translated into French as j'adore ton sourire.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that you find their smile very attractive or pleasing.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "i adore your smile". The verb used is adorer, which literally means "to adore", but it is the standard way in French to express "to love" when referring to inanimate objects or non-sentient qualities such as a smile.
Which one should you use?
While you could say j'aime ton sourire to mean "I like your smile", using j'adore is more common and sounds more natural when giving a strong compliment about a specific feature like a smile.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because sourire is a masculine noun, the possessive adjective ton is used in the informal form. In formal settings, votre is used instead of ton.
Did you know?
- French distinguishes between aimer and adorer for objects, but for people, adorer often feels less intense or more casual than the deep romantic commitment of aimer.
- The word sourire comes from the Latin subrīdēre, which literally means 'to smile slightly' or 'to smile from under'.
- French has a specific expression, un sourire en coin, which describes a smirk or a sidelong smile rather than a full one.
Examples in context
- Ton sourire me fait fondre.Your smile melts my heart.
- J'adore quand tu souris, mon rayon de soleil.I love it when you smile, my sunshine.
- Tu sais, j'adore ton sourire quand tu es contente.You know, I love your smile when you are happy.
- Chérie, j'adore ton sourire le matin.Darling, I love your smile in the morning.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are having coffee together in a park.
- NathanTu es magnifique aujourd'hui.You look magnificent today.
- LéaMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
- NathanSurtout, j'adore ton sourire.Especially, I love your smile.
- LéaOh, tu me fais rougir !Oh, you are making me blush!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sourire, ton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
