Learning French: when and why do we say avoir un coup de cœur?

You may have noticed this phrase written on post-it notes scattered around book shops or bibliothèques, used to offer seasonal reading recommendations.

Describing something as un coup de cœur implies that you really love or enjoy it.

We explain exactly when to use this expression of strong appreciation and give tips on ways to sprinkle it into conversation like a French native. 

What does avoir un coup de cœur mean?

Un coup, describes something sudden and intense that is capable of blowing you away, and can also refer to a one-night-stand.

Un coup de cœur, refers to the heart and therefore describes a strong feeling of love or appreciation, however does not apply to romantic love. 

It is often featured in promotional or journalistic language to describe a place, thing or person (a book, film, celebrity, town) as a ‘firm favourite.’ 

It is similar to the English phrases:

• To have a stand-out favourite

• To have been bitten by the bug 

• To be taken with 

• To take a liking to

• To have a fondness for

• To be obsessed with 

It is closely related to the French phrase, avoir un coup de foudre (to have a lightning strike), which has much stronger connotations and usually refers to falling head over heels in love at first sight.

Read also: 10 common French expressions involving ‘coup’

When do you say avoir un coup de cœur?

Say this to imply falling instantly in love with something:

• J'ai eu un coup de cœur pour cet artiste. Ses œuvres sont magnifiques. - I fell head over heels for this artist, his paintings are magnificent.

• Cette écharpe a été un véritable achat coup de cœur, et je ne le regrette pas. - This scarf was a real impulse buy, and I do not regret it.

It can also be said when recommending one of your favourite things (particularly books and films):

• Ce livre est à moitié prix car c'est notre coup de cœur de la semaine. - This book is half price because it is our special pick of the week.

• Quels ont été tes derniers coups de cœur dans le monde du cinéma ? - What films have you been loving lately?

• Cette chanteuse a été mon coup de cœur du festival. - This singer was my very stand-out act of the festival. 

Read also: Tata, frangin, papounet: Cute French names for family members

To whom do you say avoir un coup de cœur?

It is considered neutral language and can be used in a range of situations, from formal to informal. 

It regularly appears in both spoken and written French.

Read also: Language: Beware ‘false friends’ but take heart - the French struggle with them too