ma chérie
feminine, affectionate
To a woman, French says ma chérie for my love. Mon amour fits anyone and does not change, and ma puce is a playful pet name.
Meaning: term of endearment for a woman (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| ma chérie | feminine, affectionate |
| mon amour | either gender |
| ma puce | affectionate |
Ma chérie is used for a wife, partner or daughter. A man would be mon chéri. Mon amour works for a partner of either gender.
How does it change in a sentence?
Chérie agrees with the person, but amour is a masculine noun, so it always takes mon. Mon cœur is another common endearment.
When do people say it?
Ma puce literally means my flea and is an affectionate nickname for women and children.
Did you know?
- Mon chou, literally my cabbage, is another affectionate name French speakers use.
Examples in context
- Bonne nuit, ma chérie.Good night, my love.
- Je t'aime, mon amour.I love you, my love.
- Viens ici, ma puce.Come here, sweetie.
Example conversation
Paul calls his wife Claire at the end of the day.
- PaulAllô, ma chérie ?Hello, my love?
- ClaireSalut, mon amour. Tu rentres bientôt ?Hi, my love. Are you coming home soon?
- PaulOui, dans vingt minutes.Yes, in twenty minutes.
