aime-toi
The English phrase "love yourself" is translated into French as aime-toi.
This expression is used to encourage someone to have self-respect and care for their own well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb aime (love) and the stressed pronoun toi (yourself).
Which one should you use?
For a formal context, use Aimez-vous vous-même. When addressing a group of people, the form changes to aimez-vous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form changes to aimez-vous when addressing a group of people or when using the formal vous to show respect to one person. The infinitive form of the concept is the reflexive verb s'aimer.
Did you know?
- If you are telling a friend to 'love yourself' in a very casual, slangy way, you might use the word kiffer instead of aimer, though it changes the tone from heartfelt to more trendy.
- In French, the concept of 'self-love' is often expressed as l'amour-propre, which literally translates to 'self-love' but is more closely aligned with the English concept of 'self-esteem' or 'pride'.
- In certain literary contexts, you might see the redundant phrase aime-toi toi-même used specifically to add a rhythmic or poetic emphasis to the command.
Examples in context
- Il est important de s'aimer soi-même.It is important to love yourself.
- Aime-toi un peu plus chaque jour.Love yourself a little more every day.
- Tu es géniale, aime-toi telle que tu es.You are great, love yourself just as you are.
- Avant de vouloir aider les autres, aime-toi d'abord.Before wanting to help others, love yourself first.
Example conversation
Léa is feeling insecure about her recent performance at work.
- LucasNe sois pas si dure avec toi-même, Léa.Don't be so hard on yourself, Léa.
- LéaJe ne me sens pas très fière de moi.I don't feel very proud of myself.
- LucasAime-toi un peu plus, tu as fait du bon travail.Love yourself a little more, you did a good job.
- LéaMerci Lucas, ça me fait du bien de l'entendre.Thanks Lucas, it feels good to hear that.
