mon cœur
The French phrase for "my heart" is mon cœur.
As a term of endearment, mon cœur is used to address someone you love deeply, functioning much like "sweetheart" or "darling" in English. It can also be used as a literal anatomical reference to the organ itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective mon (my) and the noun cœur (heart).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
When used as a term of endearment, mon cœur is an informal and intimate expression used between romantic partners or toward children. An informal variation, mon petit cœur, means "my little heart".
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive adjective remains mon even if you are addressing a woman, because cœur is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- French has several 'food-based' endearments like mon chou or mon petit chou, which occupy a similar social space as mon cœur.
- The word cœur shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'core', both stemming from the Latin 'cor'.
- In French, the word cœur is used in the expression avoir le cœur net, which means to clear up a doubt or find out the truth.
Examples in context
- Mon cœur bat vite.My heart beats fast.This example shows the phrase used as a literal anatomical subject.Tatoeba #6555413 by Micsmithel, translation #5361403 by kanlaon
- Mon cœur a chaviré.My heart sank.Tatoeba #4650265 by sacredceltic, translation #4649297 by madvomon
- Tu es dans mon cœur.You're in my heart.This example shows the phrase used to express emotional connection.Tatoeba #5233941 by sicerabibax, translation #2631768 by Joseph
- Je donne mon cœur à cette entreprise.I dedicate my heart to this company.
- Tu es dans mon petit cœur depuis toujours.You've been in my little heart forever.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are saying goodbye before work.
- ChloéBonne journée, mon cœur !Have a good day, my heart!
- HugoMerci, toi aussi Chloé.Thanks, you too Chloé.
- ChloéOn se voit ce soir ?Will I see you tonight?
- HugoOui, à ce soir !Yes, see you tonight!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cœur, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
