mon cher
In French, "my dear" is translated as mon cher.
mon cher is a term of endearment used when addressing someone you love or are close to. Similar to English, it can also be used in a slightly patronizing or condescending way in formal settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective mon (my) and the adjective cher (dear/expensive).
Which one should you use?
Use mon cher for a man and ma chère for a woman.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes to ma chère when addressing a woman, to mes chers when addressing multiple people.
Did you know?
- French has many specific 'pet names' like mon chou (my cabbage) or ma puce (my flea) that are used more frequently in romantic relationships than the more formal mon cher.
- In modern French, cher is the standard word for 'expensive'. This means that calling someone mon cher literally describes them as 'my costly one'.
- In a French shop or restaurant, calling a clerk mon cher or ma chère can actually be perceived as quite insulting or condescending rather than sweet.
Examples in context
- Mon cher ami !My dear friend!This sentence shows how to use mon cher in a greeting.Tatoeba #1281367 by sacredceltic, translation #3631514 by thegui
- Merci, mon cher !Thank you, my dear.This sentence shows how to use mon cher in a thank you.Tatoeba #1924312 by sacredceltic, translation #1923455 by Spamster
- Tout ce que tu veux, mon cher.Anything you want, my dear.This sentence shows how to use mon cher when granting a request.Tatoeba #3337194 by sacredceltic, translation #3329482 by Hybrid
- Mon cher, je vous souhaite une agréable journéeMy dear, I wish you a pleasant day
- Ma chère amie, merci de votre soutienMy dear friend, thank you for your support
- Mon cher ami, je tiens à vous exprimer ma gratitudeMy dear friend, I would like to express my gratitude to you
- Mon chéri, tu me manquesMy dear, I miss you
- Ma petite, viens iciMy dear, come here
- Salut mon chéri, ça fait longtemps !Hi my dear, it's been a long time!
- Salut ma chérie, oui, ça fait une éternité !Hi my dear, yes, it's been an eternity!
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are having breakfast together.
- LucasTu veux encore du café, mon cher ?Do you want more coffee, my dear?
- ChloéOui, s'il te plaît, Lucas.Yes, please, Lucas.
- LucasTiens, voilà ton café.Here, here is your coffee.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, mon cher.Thank you very much, my dear.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
