French people express affection in many ways. In this article, discover how French people express love through words, gestures, and their unique vision of romance.
How do you express love in French?
Words are important, but the way someone speaks in French can show many emotions during romantic moments. A soft voice can express love and care, while a playful tone can show flirting and excitement. These small changes in how words are spoken make them even more meaningful.
Here are French words often used to express love:
| French | English | Example |
| Mon amour | My love | Mon amour, tu es tout pour moi. My love, you are everything to me. |
| Mon ange | My angel | Tu es mon ange, ma lumière dans l’obscurité. You are my angel, my light in the darkness. |
| Mon trésor | My treasure | Tu seras toujours mon trésor le plus précieux. You will always be my most precious treasure. |
| Ma vie | My life | Tu es ma vie, mon univers. You are my life, my universe. |
| Mon cœur | My heart | Mon cœur bat pour toi. My heart beats for you. |
| Mon chéri / ma chérie | My darling | Mon chéri, je t’adore plus que tout. My darling, I adore you more than anything. |
| Je suis fou/folle de toi | I’m crazy about you | Je suis folle de toi, tu es tout ce que j’ai toujours voulu. I’m crazy about you; you’re everything I’ve ever wanted. |
| Je pense à toi | I think of you | Je pense à toi chaque jour. I think of you every day. |
| Tu me manques | I miss you | Tu me manques tellement quand tu es loin. I miss you so much when you’re far away. |
| Je t’aime | I love you | Je t’aime plus que tout. I love you more than anything. |

How do the French show love without words?
French people often communicate love and affection through gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
Physical touch is a key way to show affection in France. Simple acts like holding hands, touching someone’s arm, or giving a warm hug can say a lot about how someone feels. These gestures often feel more personal than words.
Eye contact is also important for showing love and attraction. Looking at someone for a little longer can create a strong emotional bond and show interest. The French are famous for their romantic looks that can express desire and affection without saying a word.
How do the French show love in public?
Showing affection in public is normal in France. People often hold hands, kiss, or share special moments in cafés, and these acts are welcomed and celebrated.
How do the French view romance and celebrate Valentine’s Day?
The French often see romance as something special in their books, movies, and art, showing love as deep and complex. The famous film Le Fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain is a great example of this kind of romance.
Valentine’s Day, called La Saint-Valentin in French, is an important celebration of love in France. Many couples enjoy romantic dinners at cozy bistros or nice restaurants. You can learn more about how French people celebrate Valentine’s Day here.
What is flirting and dating like in France? How popular are dating apps in France?
Flirting in France is usually subtle and charming. While some still prefer traditional ways of flirting in cafés or at social gatherings, apps offer a modern, convenient way to connect.
Over the last decade, dating apps like Tinder have become increasingly popular in France, especially among young people in cities. Many French singles use these apps to meet new people, chat, and start relationships. The French approach to dating apps often remains relaxed and polite, with users looking for genuine connections rather than rushing into relationships.
What emojis do French people use to express love?
French people, like many others, enjoy using emojis to show affection and flirt in messages. Some of the most popular emojis in France for expressing love are:
- ❤️: The universal symbol for love and romance, often sent between couples
- 😘: Used to send kisses and show affection, especially in flirty conversations
- 🥰: Expresses warm and loving feelings
- 💋: Suggests romantic or playful intentions, often used at the end of messages
French people might also use 💕, 💖, or 🌹 emojis to add a romantic touch to their messages.

If you enjoyed this article and want to discover more about French culture, language, and romance, visit our Go! Go! France blog for more content and tips!