French Translation of I Like You

From LoveToKnow French

The French translation of "I like you" is a pretty straightforward matter. You can simply translate the words and use the literal translation, "Je t'aime." However, knowing when it's appropriate to use this sentence or variation on this theme is important. Prevent embarrassing conversational faux pas by choosing carefully the appropriate French translation of "I like you."

French Translation of I Like You

There are many facets and nuances of learning another language that challenge even the best student. Learning French vocabulary, verbs, and phrases are only a small part of the language-learning picture. Choosing the appropriate word or phrase for the moment sets apart someone with a passing knowledge of French and someone for whom speaking French is natural.

Literal Translation

The literal French translation of I like you is "Je t'aime." The verb aimer means to like. It is different from the verb adorer, which means to love. As with other verbs, Je means I, and the tu form of address is used. The object of the sentence, tu, comes before the verb. Tu is shortened to t' because in French, when two words come together with the first ending in a vowel and the second beginning with a vowel, a contraction is used. The phrase is pronounced, "Juh tem."

Letting someone know you like them a lot just adds the adverb onto the verb. Je t'aime énormément is a formal way of saying I like you a lot. You can also say simply, "Je t'aime beaucoup" to a friend or in an informal setting.

Proper Use and Alternatives

In French, the phrase je t'aime may also be used to indicate deeper affection, so you may want to choose another phrase if you're speaking to someone you think is nice, but you don't want to imply a romantic relationship. Alternatives include, "Je te trouve sympa" which is a shortened form of "Jet e trouve sympathique," or "I think you are nice." This may be a safer alternative to Je t'aime.

Cajun and Créole Form

There's another expression you may have read, seen or heard that also means "I like you." It's used almost exclusively in Cajun and Créole French speaking communities such as those in the southern part of the United States. In Cajun and Créole French, the phrase, "Je'voudrais tu" is used instead of "Je t'aime" or "Je te trouve sympa."

What Not to Say

Unless you're serious about someone, there are several phrases not to use. These phrases imply sexual attraction. "Je te veux" is often misused by non native speakers who mix it up with "Je te trouve sympa." Je te veux means, "I want you", which goes way beyond the liking phase!

Telling Someone You Don't Like Them

Perhaps equally as important as being able to tell someone you like them is telling them you don't like them or aren't interested in them. If you're in a situation in which you need to let someone know you like them but not in a romantic way, try one or more of the following phrases:

  • I don't like you: Je ne t'aime pas. (In spoken French the "ne" is often dropped or not heard.)

Remember too that flirting is part of the casual banter between men and women in France, and flirting back is not necessarily an automatic admission of liking someone.

Other Phrases to Know

If you're looking for ways to say I like you in French, you may want to know a lot more French flirting conversational phrases as well as more details on romance and courtship in Francophone countries. The following resources can help:

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