Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| je t'aime | /ʒə t‿ɛm/ | informal, singular |
| je vous aime | /ʒə vu.z‿ɛm/ | formal, plural |
| je t'adore | informal, singular | |
| je vous adore | formal, plural |
This phrase is used to affirm romantic feelings. The phrase je t'adore is also used to convey strong affection and adoration.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je t'aime is composed of je (I), te (you, which is elided to t') and aime (love).
Which one should you use?
je t'adore can be perceived as less intense or more casual in a serious romantic context. Additionally, adding beaucoup to the end of the phrase (as in je t'aime beaucoup) actually weakens the meaning from romantic love to a strong sense of liking or affection.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
je t'aime and je t'adore are informal singular forms. je vous aime and je vous adore are formal plural forms.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use je vous aime when addressing more than one person or when using the formal vous to show respect.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒə t‿ɛm/
When do people say it?
In formal situations involving superiors or people held in higher regard, you might use the phrase je vous aime beaucoup to say "I love you very much".
Did you know?
Examples in context
- PS : Je t'aime.PS: I love you.This sentence shows how to use je t'aime in a postscript.Tatoeba #848270 by sacredceltic, translation #1357022 by sacredceltic
- Mais je t'aime !But I love you!This sentence demonstrates the use of je t'aime with emphasis.Tatoeba #10087314 by Rovo, translation #10087190 by ddnktr
- Papa, je t'aime !Daddy, I love you!This sentence illustrates a child using je t'aime to address their father.Tatoeba #5230593 by michelnialon, translation #2075226 by Vened
- Ma mère, je t'adore tellement.Mom, I adore you so much.
- Grand-père, je vous aime de tout mon cœur.Grandfather, I love you with all my heart.
- Mon meilleur ami, je t'aime plus que tout.My best friend, I love you more than anything.
- Marie, je vous aime énormément.Marie, I love you immensely.
- Mon amour, je t'aime pour toujours.My love, I love you forever.
- 171 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A romantic moment at sunset by the sea.
- NathanEmma, je t'aime.Emma, I love you.
- EmmaOh Nathan, je t'aime aussi.Oh Nathan, I love you too.
- NathanTu es la femme de ma vie.You are the woman of my life.
- EmmaEt toi, tu es mon tout.And you, you are my everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries je t'aime, je vous aime, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
