Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chéri | /ʃe.ʁi/ | masculine |
| amante | /a.mɑ̃t/ | feminine |
| chérie | /ʃe.ʁi/ | feminine |
| amour | /a.muʁ/ | masculine |
This term is used to describe a person who is much liked or loved by someone. While chéri and chérie are common terms of endearment for both romantic partners and sometimes for children, the word amour carries a more intensely romantic weight. You can use the phrase mon amour as a direct address to a sweetheart, much like saying "my love" in English.
Which one should you use?
The forms chéri and chérie function as common terms for "darling" or "sweetheart." In contrast, amour is more intensely romantic. You should also distinguish these from amante, which refers to a lover or mistress in a more formal or literary sense. Unlike the affectionate nuance of chéri, amante specifically implies a sexual partner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form chéri changes to the feminine chérie when you are referring to a female sweetheart.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃe.ʁi/
Did you know?
- While 'chéri' is a common way to say 'sweetheart', its roots may actually trace back to the Ottoman Turkish word 'şerʿ'.
- In some regions of France, it is common to hear ma chérie used by shopkeepers or strangers as a friendly, albeit slightly condescending, term of address.
- While mon amour is masculine, it can be used to address a woman because the noun amour itself is grammatically masculine.
Examples in context
- Sami a épousé sa chérie.Sami married his sweetheart, Layla.This sentence shows the use of the feminine form chérie.Tatoeba #13325552 by genes1s, translation #6316692 by OsoHombre
- Il a épousé son amour de lycée.He married his high school sweetheart.This sentence uses amour to refer to a high school sweetheart.Tatoeba #2343657 by sacredceltic, translation #2217626 by Hybrid
- Ne sois pas si fâché, mon amour.Don't be so angry, sweetheart.This sentence uses amour as a direct address to a sweetheart.Tatoeba #5381758 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #11201649 by Lebensfreude
- Jeanne, ma chérie , tu es la personne la plus merveilleuse que je connaisse.Jeanne, my sweetheart, you are the most wonderful person I know.
- Viens ici, mon cœur . J'ai besoin de sentir ton amour près de moi.Come here, my heart. I need to feel your love close to me.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is helping Emma in the kitchen.
- GabrielTu as besoin d'aide, mon chéri ?Do you need help, my sweetheart?
- EmmaOui, peux-tu couper les légumes ?Yes, can you cut the vegetables?
- GabrielBien sûr, je m'en occupe tout de suite.Of course, I'll take care of it right away.
- EmmaMerci, tu es adorable.Thank you, you are adorable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweetheart” translations and entries chéri, amante, chérie, amour, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amour, chéri, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
