Written by:
Jan 28, 2025

7 Ways to say ‘I love you’ in French and other romantic phrases

Introduction

French is often called the language of love, and it’s easy to see why. The melodic flow of French words and the culture's emphasis on romance make it a language that beautifully expresses affection.

Whether you're preparing to surprise a loved one, add a touch of flair to your love life, or simply expand your linguistic skills, learning how to say “I love you” in French is well worth it. Let’s dive into the seven most romantic ways to express your love in French and explore some other charming French phrases related to love.

7 Ways to say ‘I love you’ in French

  1. Je t'aime
    The classic phrase that translates directly to “I love you.” Simple, elegant, and timeless, “je t'aime” is the most common way to express love in French. It works for all romantic situations and is universally understood. Be careful to note the difference between “je t’aime” and “je t’aime bien”. While the latter translates word by word as “I love you well”, it just means “I like you”.
  2. Je t’adore
    Je t’adore, meaning “I adore you,” conveys affection. While ‘adore’ seems stronger than ‘love,’ in French, it’s not as intense as “je t'aime,” making it perfect for expressing fondness.
  3. Je suis amoureux/amoureuse de toi
    This phrase translates to “I am in love with you.” It’s more intense and heartfelt, often reserved for moments of deep emotional connection.
  4. Je t'aime de tout mon cœur
    When you want to say “I love you with all my heart,” this expression leaves no doubt about the depth of your feelings.
  5. Je suis fou de toi/je suis folle de toi
    This phrase translates to “I am crazy for you,” and is perfect for expressing the strength of the effect that love can have on a person.
  6. Tu es l'amour de ma vie
    Literally meaning “you are the love of my life,” this phrase is ideal for expressing deep, life-long love.
  7. Mon cœur bat pour toi
    This poetic phrase means “my heart beats for you,” making it a wonderfully romantic way to declare your feelings.

Romantic French phrases

Beyond saying “I love you” in French, there are various romantic phrases you can use to express love indirectly. Whether you want to write a love letter in another language or find a new pet name for your partner, this list has you covered:  

  • Mon amour
    This translates to “my love” and is one of the most common terms of endearment that can be used for all genders. Whether whispered in a lover’s ear or used in a heartfelt letter, it’s a classic.
  • Tu me manques
    Meaning “I miss you,” this phrase is particularly romantic in French because it literally translates to “you are missing from me,” emphasizing a sense of incompleteness without your loved one.
  • Mon chou
    This term of endearment translates to “my darling” but literally means “my cabbage.” It’s perfect for sweet, everyday affection for men and women alike.
  • Je ne peux pas vivre sans toi
    This passionate declaration means “I can’t live without you.”
  • Chaque jour avec toi est un cadeau
    Meaning “every day with you is a gift,” this phrase is a beautiful way to express gratitude for your partner.

French quotes about love also capture the language’s romantic spirit. For instance, Victor Hugo once wrote: “La vie est une fleur dont l’amour est le miel” (“Life is a flower of which love is the honey”).

‘I love you’ in French FAQs

1. How do French people say "I love you"?

French people most commonly say “Je t'aime” to express love. This phrase is versatile and can be used for romantic partners, family, and even close friends in the right context.

2. How do I reply to "Je t'aime"?

The most straightforward and romantic response is “moi aussi” (me too). If you want to match the intensity, you can say, “Moi aussi, je t'aime” (I love you too).

3. Is there a French word for "I love you very much"?

In general, adding anything after “je t’aime” makes it a bit less intense but you could say “je t’aime à la folie” (“I love you to craziness”) or, like a very famous French song, “je t’aime à mourir” (I love you so much I could die) to express a deeper level of affection.

4. What is the meaning of "que je t’aime"?

The phrase “que je t'aime” means “how much I love you” or “oh, how I love you.” It’s famously used in a song with that exact title from Johnny Hallyday, emphasizing the depth of emotion behind the words.

Going further

Learning how to say “I love you” in French and exploring other romantic French phrases adds a touch of elegance and charm to your expressions of affection. Whether whispering sweet nothings or writing heartfelt letters, the French language provides endless ways to convey your feelings. The best way to learn more lovely French words and phrases is to download Drops and learn for 5 minutes every day!

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