mon chéri
mon chéri is the French phrase for "my dear" used to address a male loved one.
This term of endearment is used between romantic partners or by parents when addressing a son.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective mon (my) and the masculine singular noun chéri (dear or darling).
Which one should you use?
While mon chéri is used for males, you should use ma chérie when addressing a female loved one.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Ma Puce is a term used in some French-speaking regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
mon chéri is grammatically masculine and is specifically used to address a male person.
Did you know?
- The word chéri has roots in the Ottoman Empire, originating from the Arabic word šarʕ meaning 'law' or 'religious path'.
- French has a wide variety of animal-based endearments, such as ma puce meaning 'my flea', which serves the same emotional purpose as ma chérie.
- In France, it is common for parents to continue calling their children mon chéri well into adulthood.
Examples in context
- Je t'aime, mon chou.I love you, my dear.
- Viens ici, mon lapin!Come here, my dear!
- Tu es très gentil, mon chéri.You are very kind, my darling.
- Bonne nuit, mon chéri.Good night, my dear.
- Je t'aime, mon chéri.I love you, my darling.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are having coffee in their kitchen.
- LéaTu veux un peu de café, mon chéri ?Do you want some coffee, my darling?
- GabrielOui, merci beaucoup, Léa.Yes, thank you very much, Léa.
- LéaC'est un plaisir de te voir sourire.It is a pleasure to see you smile.
- GabrielTu es adorable.You are adorable.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chéri, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
