To love a thing

Question

I’m finding this unexpectedly hard! Not least because to "love" a thing is usually just a hyperbolic way of saying you "really like" it. (Apart from things you personify eg a childhood toy).   Also, for written aimer + thing, how can I tell if it’s love or like?

Accepted Answer

I remember grappling with this topic myself. Here's the gist:
Aimer with a person is romantic love. With a thing it's "to like something"
Aimer bien with a person is to like someone in an almost noncommittal, general sense. Similarly with an object.
Adorer with a person is still not romantic love but stronger than aimer bien. It can also be used in this sense with an object.

Answer

Hi Anne,For love of a thing  --> amour de (qch) or amour pour (qch)https://www.wordreference.com/fren/amourBonne journéeJim

Answer

Hi Anne, 
Just to add to Chris' excellent answer, I am not sure if you have had a look at the Q&A at the end of the lesson as this question has been asked several times.

Answer

I did look at the thread, Cécile, but it’s so long, it does contain some inconsistencies.

I can’t help feeling the lesson would be clearer if divided into two sections, one for people and one for things, each arranged in a hierarchy of intensity. After all, in practice you’ll know if you’re describing a person or not!

Answer

Don‘t sweat it Anne. It‘s actually not such an important topic.

Answer

Hi Anne, 
We are always looking to update and improve our lessons but I am not convinced that splitting it between things and people would help the majority of learners but will pass on your comments to the team.
Just to add to what Chris just said, the only thing you have be aware of is not to say -
Je vous aime /Je t'aime = I love you
to an adult as it might be construed as a love declaration which could be a bit awkward. 
Bonne Continuation !