How to Say My Love in French

How to Say My Love in French

French is famous as the language of love, and Mon amour is its most direct term of endearment. But the French have a whole garden of pet names — some surprisingly literal — and a couple of grammar rules worth knowing before you use them.

The Classic: Mon Amour

Mon amour — pronounced moh-na-MOOR

It literally means “my love.” This is the timeless, deeply romantic way to address a partner, said softly and reserved for someone you truly cherish.

Copy the Phrase

The French phrase for my love is Mon amour (moh-na-MOOR).

Pronunciation Notes

Part	Pronunciation	Notes
Mon	moh(n)	Nasal ‘on’; the ‘n’ links forward
amour	na-MOOR	Liaison: ‘n’ attaches here; soft French ‘r’ at the end

Because of the liaison, you don’t pause between the words — the n of mon glides into amour: moh-na-MOOR, not “mon… amour.”

All the Ways to Say My Love in French

French	Pronunciation	Meaning / Use
Mon amour	moh-na-MOOR	”My love” — any gender
Mon chéri	moh shay-REE	”My darling” (to a man)
Ma chérie	mah shay-REE	”My darling” (to a woman)
Mon cœur	moh KUHR	”My heart”
Mon trésor	moh tray-ZOR	”My treasure”
Mon ange	moh-NAHNZH	”My angel”
Ma puce	mah POOS	”My flea” (sweet, playful)
Mon chou	moh SHOO	”My cabbage / cream puff” (cute)

A Grammar Note: Why It’s Always “Mon” Amour

Newcomers expect the possessive to change for men and women, but Mon amour stays the same for everyone. That’s because the noun amour is grammatically masculine, so it always takes the masculine possessive mon — regardless of who you’re addressing. The endearment that does change is chéri/chérie: mon chéri for a man, ma chérie for a woman (same pronunciation, different spelling).

The Charm of Literal French Pet Names

French endearments can be delightfully odd when translated literally:

• Ma puce = “my flea” — but it’s genuinely affectionate, often for a partner or child.
• Mon chou = “my cabbage / cream puff” — sweet and cute (from chou à la crème).
• Mon canard = “my duck” — playful.
• Ma biche = “my doe” — tender (not to be confused with English “bitch”).

Despite the literal meanings, these are warm and loving in French.

Cultural Notes

French couples use these terms freely and often, sprinkling mon amour and mon cœur through everyday conversation. The strongest and most serious is Mon amour, while playful ones like ma puce or mon chou suit lighter, teasing affection. You can also intensify with adjectives — mon grand amour (“my great love”) — or layer them: mon amour, mon cœur. As always, save the most intimate terms for someone you’re genuinely close to.