For all of you lucky ducklings with French-speaking mamans, here’s a quick guide to the vocabulary you might want to use on Mother’s Day! From expressions of gratitude to words for different kinds of mothers, we’ve got you covered.
À votre bon cœur, mesdames! (That’s “with your goodwill, ladies”…)
What Are Some French Vocabulary Words?
In France, Mother’s Day is called “Fête des Mères” and is celebrated on the last Sunday in May. Here are some French vocabulary words that you can use to wish your mother a happy Mother’s Day:
- Maman: Mom
- Bonne fête des mères: Happy Mother’s Day
- Joyeuse fête des mères: Happy Mother’s Day
- Je t’aime, maman: I love you, mom
- Merci pour tout, maman: Thank you for everything, mom
Want to get even more creative with your French vocabulary for Mother’s Day? Be sure to think outside the box and ask your French tutor for suggestions. And if you’re not signed up for French lessons yet, be sure to do so – Mother’s Day will be here before you know it! You’ll learn everything you need to know about basic French vocabulary words for this special occasion along with what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvwykXJ4mQI
What Do the French Do on Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate mothers and motherhood. In France, children often give their mothers flowers and chocolate on this day.
Families often have a big meal together, and many people take their mothers out for lunch or dinner. The French also like to give their mothers cards and small gifts.
Mother’s Day is a very important holiday in France, and it is a time for families to come together and show their love and appreciation for their mothers.
French Vocabulary Words for Mother’s Day
Here in the states, we celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May (psst that’s May 10 this year!), but did you know that in France Mother’s Day, known as la fête des mères, is celebrated either the last Sunday of May or the first Sunday in June? Despite the difference in timing, the French celebrate Mother’s Day in many of the same ways we do, but with a few uniquely French touches.
First things first, if you want to celebrate this holiday as the French do, you’ll need to know a bit of French vocabulary for Mother’s Day:
How to Say “Mom” in French
Formally, you may refer to your mother as ma mère, but in more familiar situations you will commonly hear the French call their mothers maman. This distinction is similar to the difference between mother and mom in English. In French, your mother can address you as mon fils if you are her son, or ma fille if you are her daughter.
You might also want to celebrate your grandmother, or grand-mère, when la fête des mères comes around. If you want to be less formal, you can address your grandma as grand-maman, gra-mère, or even mémé or mamé. If you have a stepmother, you can celebrate her as well on Mother’s Day. In French, you call your stepmother, ma belle-mère.
French Gifts for Mom
Just like in America, French moms love to start their special day with le petit déjeuner au lit, or breakfast in bed. You should also be sure to get a nice present, or un cadeau, for maman. Some popular gifts for maman include les fleurs (flowers), un collier (necklace), le chocolat (chocolate), les livres (books), and le parfum (perfume). Often, young children in France will make craft projects at school to bring to maman for la fête des mères.
Finally, you can’t go wrong with a handmade carte de vœux, or greeting card, with a heartfelt message of love and gratitude for your mom. Don’t forget to write, “je t’aime“, which means, “I love you.”
In French families, it is traditional to present maman with a cake resembling a bouquet of flowers and to prepare a lovely diner for her and the whole family.
French Translation Practice for Mother’s Day
Now that you’ve studied a little bit of French vocabulary for Mother’s Day, see if you can translate this paragraph from French Etc.:
La fête des mères est fêtée une fois par an, le dernier dimanche de mai ou le premier dimanche de juin – ce n’est pas à la même date dans tous les pays – par tous les enfants des écoles. Dans toutes les classes, les travaux manuels vont bon train. On travaille secrètement ; qui, au collier de nouilles ; qui, au livre de recettes écrit à la main. Le matin du Jour J., on récite un compliment et on offre son cadeau fait amoureusement. Les plus grands lui offrent un plus grand cadeau, bien sûr. Et toute la journée, la maman est la reine. On lui fait tout, on la chouchoute, on la cajole, on lui prépare le dîner, etc.
(You can check your work here, or find a French tutor to help you continue your studies.)
French Family Vocabulary Words
Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate the mothers in our lives. The French language has many beautiful words to describe family members. Here are some key vocabulary words to use on Mother’s Day:
- Maman (mom): This is the most common word for “mom” in French. You can use it whether you are speaking to your own mother, or someone else’s mother.
- Grand-mère (grandmother): This word is used for your maternal grandmother. If you want to say “grandfather,” the word is grand-père.
- Belle-mère (stepmother): This word is used for your stepmother, or the mother of your spouse. If you want to say “stepfather,” the word is beau-père.
- Fille (daughter): This word can be used for your own daughter, or someone else’s daughter. If you have a son, the word is garçon.
- Sœur (sister): As with fille and garçon, this word can be used for either your own sister or someone else’s sister. If you have a brother, the word is frère.
French Emotions Vocabulary for Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, surprise your mom by expressing your emotions in French! Here are some key vocabulary words to get you started.
To say “I love you,” you can say “Je t’aime” or “Je t’adore.” For something a little more casual, you can say “Tu es la meilleure” (“You’re the best”).
If you want toTell your mom how much you appreciate everything she’s done for you, try saying “Je te remercie de tout coeur” (“I thank you from the bottom of my heart”). For a simpler way to say “thank you,” you can just say “Merci.”
If you’re feeling extra grateful, you could also say “Tu es la femme la plus merveilleuse du monde” (“You are the most wonderful woman in the world”).
Of course, no expression of love is complete without telling your mom how much she means to you. You can say “Tu es tout pour moi” (“You are everything to me”) or “Tu es la personne la plus importante dans ma vie” (“You are the most important person in my life.”)
French Vocabulary List for Mother’s Day Activities
Bonjour, mes amis! As we approach Mother’s Day, many of us are scrambling to find the perfect way to show our Mamas how much we love them. If you’re looking for some French vocabulary to help you with your plans, look no further! Here is a list of some key words and phrases that will come in handy:
- Qu’est-ce que vous faites normalement le jour de la fête des mères? – What do you normally do on Mothers Day?
- Je pense à ma mère. – I think about my mother.
- J’appelle ma mère. – I call my mother.
- Je vais chercher des fleurs pour ma mère. – I pick flowers for my mother.
- Je cuisine pour ma mère. – I cook for my mother.
- Je lave la voiture de ma mère. – I wash my mother’s car.
- Je fais tout ce que ma mère veut que je fasse! – I do whatever my mother wants me to do!
Vocabulary in French That Will Make Mom Proud
Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for all the amazing things your mom does for you. This year, why not try saying “merci maman” in French? It’s a simple way to make her feel special and appreciated.
And if you need some help with your vocabulary, we’ve got you covered. Consider this post your crash course in French words and phrases for Mother’s Day and ask your French tutor for more suggestions if you desire.
Bonne fête des mères à toutes les mamans du monde!
Will you be celebrating Mother’s Day with the French this year? What are your family traditions? Share them with us in the comments below!
Megan L.