Learning French: which affectionate nicknames do French couples love?
Pet names such as bébé or chaton might be heard if spending Valentine’s Day in France
Many languages commonly use animal names when referring to romantic partners
beton studio/Shutterstock
Darling, sweetiepie, babycakes… Do you have a pet name for any of your loved ones?
A recent survey by Preply (February 10) revealed that 87% of couples use affectionate terms when speaking to their romantic partner, while 79% even said that doing so strengthens the relationship.
The most popular names across 14 different languages are: babe, love, baby, honey and dear.
Another common theme is using an animal name, such as: mouse (German), bear (Polish), ladybird (Ukrainian) and puppy (Italian).
We look at the top romantic nicknames used in France and highlight more love-related expressions you might find yourself using this Valentine’s Day.
Read also: Celebrate Valentine's Day in France: Discover the Romantic Village of Saint-Valentin
The most popular pet names in France
The five most loving nicknames used by French couples are:
You might also come across mon chat (my cat) or mon chou (my cabbage), which is similar to the English: my boo.
For example, French couples could be heard saying:
Question: Mon amour, ça te dirait d'aller manger au restaurant ce soir ? - My love, would you like to go out to eat tonight?
Response: Oui bébé, j'ai déjà réservé l'Italien où on est allés le jour où l’on s’est rencontrés. - Yes babe, I have already reserved the Italian place where we ate on the day we met.
Read also: Tata, frangin, papounet: Cute French names for family members
Couples expressed that they do not like being called ma puce (my flea), ma vie (my life) or lapin (rabbit).
More loving French words and expressions
Read also: ‘Wine for people in love’: Exploring France’s two most romantic towns
