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Discover the French word "J'adore"

We are going to explain you everything you ever wanted to know about the basic word "J'adore". This include a detailed definition of what it is and how to use it in everyday life with an audio example. Plus, we also added some useful stuff like slow pronunciation audio, dialogue example and more!

French to English translation

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  Translation : I love it

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  Register : Neutral - Basic

How to pronounce it?

Slow

Normal

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  IPA : / ʒadɔʁ /

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J'adore meaning

Definition

The meaning of "J'adore" is a complex mix between "I really like" and "I love". We use it to express enjoyment about something or when we are asked about our preferences.

It will be more clear soon, but first, we need to clarify once and for all the "Does j'adore means I like or I love?" debate.

If you are talking about something (like hobbies, movies, food, etc.) there are 3 main options, in order:

1. Soft → J'aime bien → I kind of like it
2. Medium → J'aime → I like it
3. Strong → J'adore → I love it / I really like it / I'm fond of it

But if you are talking about someone, you have the same options BUT IN A DIFFERENT ORDER:

1. Soft → Je t'aime bien → I kind of like you
2. Medium → Je t'adore → I really like you ("Not romantically")
3. Strong → Je t'aime → I love you ("Romantically")

There are 3 important conclusions here.

First, in French "J'aime" isn't always the most powerful word, on the contrary of "Love" in English. When talking about something other than a person, "J'adore" has more power.

Secondly, when romance is involved, there is only one way to express it: "Je t'aime". Using "Je t'adore" doesn't imply romantic feelings but a strong appreciation instead. (e.g. good friends or family members)

Thirdly, adding "bien" (good) after "Je t'aime" doesn't imply a stronger "romantic love" feeling, as we might think at first. That's even the opposite: it means there is no romance involved, actually it's even weaker than saying "Je t'adore".

That's why it's so confusing for English speakers... but as long as you follow these rules, it will be fine.

How to use it

If someone asks you: "Do you like to read? " you can say "Oui, j'adore !" (Yes, I'm fond of it!). But if you are asked instead: "What do you like?" you can say "J'adore lire." (I'm fond of reading.)

Now, let's imagine you are visiting Paris and you see the Eiffel Tower for the first time, you might say: "J'adore !" (I love it!). You don't need to specify what you "adore", it's understandable with context.

Now let's see wider examples to make it crystal clear!

• I'm in love with you → Je t'aime
• I love playing basketball → J'adore jouer au basket
• I like eating fruits → J'aime manger des fruits
• I kind of like this music → J'aime bien cette chanson
• I kind of like her/him → Je l'aime bien
• I really like you, as a friend → Je t'adore, comme un(e) ami(e)
• I like you, as a friend → Je t'aime bien, comme un(e) ami(e)

Example in a dialogue

Dialogue

Tu aimes la pizza ?

Do you like pizza?

Non. Ce n'est pas mon truc, et toi ?

No. It's not my thing, and you?

J'adore !

I love it!