When it comes to matters of the heart, it’s no doubt the French have staked their claim on romance. But who said you can’t have a little piece of that action? Slip in a few of these choice phrases and you just might meet that strapping French lad.
1. Oui
Means: Yes
Say it like: we
Giving affirmation in French is as easy as one, two, oui. You can also amp up your cool factor and throw in a casual ouai (said like a much softer and nasal version of weh), it’s more yeah than yes and brings a much more casual tone to the conversation
2. Non
Means: No
Say it like: noh (make it short and sweet)
Best when said while looking over your shoulder to reject a relentless French suitor’s advances.
3. Merci
Means: Thank you
Say it like: mer-SEE
Don’t forget to roll the Rs in that delectable French way.
4. Au revoir
Means: Goodbye
Say it like: oh-re-VWAH or uh-VWAH
This word is quite useful when you decide to break up with him. Au revoir, Francois!
5. Je t’aime
Means: I love you
Say it like: JUH-tem
How else would you express love using the language of love?
6. French Love Nicknames
Mon amour
Means: Quite literally, my love. (Psssst! Anne Curtis uses this when she refers to her longtime love Erwan Heussaff.)
Say it like: mon amoor
Mon chéri
Means: My darling, which sounds way cuter in French. Right, mon chéri?
Say it like: mah cheh-REE
Mon canard
Means: My duck, another variation of my darling. Weird, yes, but you’d be surprised at how many animals they use to call their loved ones. If you’re taking your lovey-dovey-gooeyness to the next level, better do it in French, right?
Say it like: mon KAH-nar
7. French in Action
Use these short and sweet phrases to command your lover in French.
Serre-moi
Means: Hug me
Say it like: ser-MWAH
Embrasse-moi
Means: Kiss me (not to be confused with embrace).
Say it like: EM-brahz-MWAH
Fais-moi l’amour
Means: Make love to me. Use with caution, as speaking French ups your sexiness factor exponentially.
Say it like: feh-MWAH la-moor
8. Conversation starters
So you can flirt like a pro!
Alors, ça roule?
Means: How you doin’? (Best said with a coy wink and lots of confidence.)
Say it like: AH-lor, SAH rool?
Venez-vous ici souvent?
Means: Come here often?
Say it like: veneh-vooz ee-see soo-vant?
9. Throwing compliments
J’adore ton sourire.
Means: I love your smile.
Say it like: jah-DOHR ton soo-REE
Tu as de beaux yeux.
Means: You have beautiful eyes.
Say it like: TWO ah deh BHOZ-yu
T’as trop sexy.
Means: You are really sexy.
Say it like: tah TROH sek-SEE
10. Naughty French
On va chez toi ou chez moi?
Means: Your place or mine?
Say it like: uh va sheh twa ooh sheh mwah?
Mes sous-vetements sont comestibles.
Means: My underwear is edible.
Say it like: meh SOO-vet-muh soh KOH-mess-TEE-bluh.
