je t'aime, maman
The English phrase "I love you, mom" is translated into French as je t'aime, maman.
This phrase is an expression of affection used to tell one's mother that they love her.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), t' (you, which is a contraction of te), aime (love) and maman (mom).
Which one should you use?
Using maman is more intimate and affectionate than using mère (mother), which is more formal or refers to the biological relationship.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Je t'aime, maman is the most common informal way to express this sentiment. The term maman is the standard informal and affectionate term for "mom" used by children and adults alike.
How does it change in a sentence?
The object pronoun te (you) is elided to t' because the following verb aime begins with a vowel.
Did you know?
- In French, adding beaucoup after je t'aime actually makes the sentiment feel less intense, whereas in English 'I love you very much' is just as strong.
- It is common in France to accompany je t'aime, maman with la bise, a social gesture of kissing both cheeks.
- The word maman shares a linguistic ancestor with the Latin word mamma, which is also the root of the English word 'mammal' because of the biological connection to nursing.
Examples in context
- Je t'aime de tout mon cœur, maman. Voici une petite note pour te rappeler combien tu es aimante et spéciale pour moi. Merci d'être la meilleure maman du monde.I love you with all my heart, Mom. Here's a little note to remind you how loving and special you are to me. Thank you for being the best mom in the world.
- Je t'aime, maman.I love you, mom.
- Oh, je t'aime, maman, vraiment !Oh, I love you, mom, really!
Example conversation
Gabriel is hugging his mother before going to school.
- ChloéJe t'aime, maman !I love you, mom!
- GabrielMoi aussi je t'aime, Gabriel.I love you too, Gabriel.
- ChloéÀ ce soir !See you tonight!
- GabrielBonne journée, mon chéri.Have a good day, sweetheart.
