romance
/ʁɔ.mɑ̃s/feminine
In French, the English phrase 'romance' can be translated as romance or idylle.
Meaning: intimate relationship, love affair (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| romance | /ʁɔ.mɑ̃s/ | feminine |
| idylle | /i.dil/ | feminine |
The term refers to an intimate relationship or a love affair. You may also encounter the related adjective roman, which describes things of or dealing with languages or cultures derived from Roman influence and Latin.
Which one should you use?
While romance refers to the general concept of romance or a love affair, idylle is often used to describe a brief, intense or idealized romantic relationship.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both romance and idylle are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɔ.mɑ̃s/
When do people say it?
When in a romantic relationship, partners might use the affectionate term Chéri(e) to mean 'darling' or 'sweetheart'. If you want to express that you have a crush on someone in a more colloquial way, you can say J'ai le béguin pour toi.
Did you know?
- The word romance in French is often used to describe a specific type of musical piece, such as a lyrical song or a short, sentimental composition.
- The word idylle comes from the Ancient Greek word eidúllion, which referred to short poems depicting rural life.
- While 'romance' refers to a love affair, a long story or a book is actually called a roman in French.
Examples in context
- La ville ne parlait plus que de leur idylle.Their romance was the talk of the town.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use idylle to describe a relationship that is the subject of conversation.Tatoeba #4125677 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4124514 by Hybrid
- Il n'y a pas de place pour la romance dans ma vie.There is no room for romance in my life.This sentence shows the use of romance to refer to the general concept of romance in one's life.Tatoeba #5644335 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #5644328 by Hybrid
- Tom et Marie ont vécu une idylle éclair.Tom and Mary had a whirlwind romance.This sentence illustrates using idylle to describe a whirlwind or short-lived romance.Tatoeba #3220512 by Dreamk33, translation #3220496 by patgfisher
- Je suis tombé amoureux de toi dès que je t'ai rencontré(e).I fell in love with you as soon as I met you.
- Je ressens une grande affection pour toi.I feel a great affection for you.
- Je t'aime plus que tout mon amour.I love you more than anything, my love.
- Bonne nuit, mon chéri / ma chérie.Good night, my darling.
- Depuis que je t'ai vu(e), j'ai le béguin pour toi.Since I saw you, I have a crush on you.
- mon amourMy love
- mon cœurMy heart
- Je t'apprécie énormémentI appreciate you enormously
- Je suis reconnaissant(e) de t'avoir dans ma vieI am grateful to have you in my life
- Tes yeux sont des étoiles qui illuminent ma vieYour eyes are stars that light up my life
- Ton sourire est mon rayon de soleilYour smile is my sunshine
- Mon amour pour toi est éternelMy love for you is eternal
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a novel they both read.
- ChloéTu as aimé la romance dans ce livre ?Did you like the romance in this book?
- GabrielOui, c'est une romance très touchante.Yes, it is a very touching love affair.
- ChloéJe trouve que leur romance est irréaliste.I find their romance unrealistic.
- GabrielC'est justement ce qui rend l'histoire belle.That's exactly what makes the story beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “romance” translations and entries romance, idylle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idylle, romance, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
