What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "you are my life". The parts are tu es (you are), ma (my, feminine) and vie (life).
Which one should you use?
While tu es ma vie is used for intimacy, the form vous êtes ma vie is the grammatically correct way to address a person formally or multiple people, though it is much less common for this specific romantic sentiment. To say "you're my whole life", you can use tu es toute ma vie or the formal vous êtes toute ma vie.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of tu makes tu es ma vie an informal and intimate expression, suitable for a romantic partner or a very close family member. The form vous êtes ma vie is the formal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because vie (life) is a feminine noun, the possessive adjective must be the feminine ma rather than the masculine mon.
Did you know?
- The word vie shares a common root with the English word 'way' through the Latin 'via'.
- While tu es ma vie is a romantic declaration, French parents frequently call their children ma vie as a simple nickname.
- Using the formal vous in vous êtes ma vie can be a poetic choice to address a single person's soul rather than just a formal address.
Examples in context
- Tu es ma vie et tout ce que je veux et tout ce dont j'ai besoin.You're my life and all that I want and need.This sentence shows how to use tu es ma vie in a longer romantic declaration.Tatoeba #5944739 by Ricardo14, translation #3037748 by Ricardo14
- Madame Dupont, vous êtes ma vie. Je vous aime profondément.Mrs. Dupont, you're my life. I love you deeply.
- Mon amour, tu es toute ma vie. Je ne peux pas imaginer ma vie sans toi.My love, you're my whole life. I can't imagine my life without you.
- Maman, tu es ma vie. Merci d'être toujours là pour moi.Mom, you're my life. Thank you for always being there for me.
- Tu es ma vie, je t'aime.You're my life, I love you.
- Sache que tu es ma vie.Know that you are my life.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is sharing a romantic moment.
- NathanJe ne peux pas imaginer ma vie sans toi.I can't imagine my life without you.
- ChloéC'est très gentil, Nathan.That's very sweet, Nathan.
- NathanC'est vrai, tu es ma vie.It's true, you're my life.
- ChloéTu es tout pour moi aussi.You are everything to me too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ma, tu, vie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
