How to Say "Of Course, My Dear" in French

bien sûr, mon cher

The English phrase 'of course, my dear' can be translated into French as bien sûr, mon cher.

This phrase is used as an affectionate way to agree with or confirm something to a loved one or a close friend.

Which one should you use?

The specific form you choose depends on the gender of the person you are addressing. Use mon cher when the person is male, whereas ma chère is used for a female. Additionally, the informal forms mon chéri (for males) and ma chérie (for females) are also used to mean 'of course, my dear'.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

The form bien sûr, mon cher can be used affectionately, but it may also carry a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone depending on the context. In more informal settings, you might use Bien sûr, mon chéri for a male or Bien sûr, ma chérie for a female.

How does it change in a sentence?

When addressing a woman, you should use ma chère instead of mon cher.

Did you know?

The word cher comes from the Latin cārum, which meant both 'dear' in affection and 'valuable' in price. Because of this, cher is still used in French today to describe something that is expensive.
While mon cher sounds very romantic, it can also be used in a slightly patronizing or old-fashioned way to dismiss someone's point in a formal setting.
Using mon cher can sometimes sound like a character from a 19th-century novel, making it a popular choice for actors wanting to portray an aristocratic or old-fashioned persona.

Examples in context

Bien sûr, mon cher. Je serais ravi de partager mon expérience avec vous.
Of course, my dear. I would be delighted to share my experience with you.
Ah, merci beaucoup ! Bien sûr, mon chéri. Tu es vraiment adorable.
Oh, thank you so much! Of course, my dear. You are truly sweet.
Évidemment, mon trésor. J'ai hâte de te voir.
Of course, my dear. I can't wait to see you.
Bien sûr, mon cher, je t'aime.
Of course, my dear, I love you.
Tu veux m'accompagner ? Bien sûr, mon cher.
Do you want to come with me? Of course, my dear.
Bien sûr, mon cher, on y va.
Of course, my dear, let's go.

Example conversation

Hugo and Manon are preparing to leave for a walk in the park.

Hugo

Manon, est-ce que tu es prête ?
Manon, are you ready?
Manon

Bien sûr, mon cher, je suis prête.
Of course, my dear, I am ready.
Hugo

On part maintenant ?
Are we leaving now?
Manon

Oui, allons-y !
Yes, let's go!

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, cher, mon, sûr, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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How to Say “Of Course, My Dear” in French