How to Say I Love You in French

The Basics

Decide which verb you wish to use. You can use "aimer" (to love), "adorer" (to adore), or "désirer" (to desire). "Aimer" is the strongest in emotion of the three verbs. Don't use it lightly!

Use the "tu" form. It's not likely you'd be telling someone formally or someone unknown that you love them! "Tu" and "vous" are the two forms used when addressing another person. "Tu" is used for people you know well or children. In "je t'aime," "tu" is contracted to "t'" because of the succeeding vowel. Literally, it translates to "I you love." If you are seeking to risk a restraining order, "je vous aime" (zhuh voo zem) is used formally.

Learn how to say the various basic phrases: Je t'aime -- I love you (zhuh tem) Je t'adore -- I adore you (zhuh tah door) Je te désire or j'ai envie de toi -- I want you (zhuh tuh duhzai-uh or zhay ohn-vee duh twah)

Practice it before saying. If you're nervous, practice will be invaluable. Telling someone that you love them can be exciting or terrifying and saying it in French makes it seem even more romantic. Bonne chance! (Good luck!) Get the pronunciation down. French is full of sounds that are represented a bit differently in English. "j" in "je" is pronounced [zh] -- like the g in mirage "e" (in "je") is pronounced like the oo in good"t'aime" is pronounced [tem] to rhyme with them.

Making it Grander

Use terms of endearment. Often "I love you" is accompanied by something else, something extra. Make it even more memorable by adding a special touch. "Je t'aime, toi" emphasizes that you love them and only them. Follow with "my darling": To a woman -- ma chérie (ma shay-ree) To a man -- mon chéri (mo(n) shay-ree; the (n) is nasal) "Mon amour" -- my love (moh(n) ah-mohr) "Ma belle" -- my love (mah bell) "Mon chou" -- my cabbage, my pastry (moh(n) shoo) (informal)

Say it more vividly. You do not have to stick to the literal "I love you." There are dozens of ways to express how you feel, though a bit more complicated. "Je t'aimerai pour toujours" -- I will love you forever (zhuh tem-air-ay poor too-zhoor) "T'es l'amour de ma vie"" -- You're the love of my life (teh lah-moor duh ma vee) "Je t'aime plus qu'hier et moins que demain" -- I love you more than I did yesterday and less than I will tomorrow (zhuh tem ploo kee-air ay mwahn kuh duh-mahn)

Prepare for a response. The conversation doesn't stop there! Get ready for a response or to inquire further. "Est-ce que tu m'aimes?" -- Do you love me? (ess kuh too mem) "Moi aussi, je t'aime." -- I love you too. (mwah ah-see, zhuh tem) "Veux-tu m'épouser?" -- Will you marry me? (voo too may poo say)