Here are some ways you could approach this in French, each with a slightly different nuance:
1. Using Contrasting Phrases:
* "Je déteste, mais j'aime." (Je déteste, mais j'aime.) - This is a literal translation and emphasizes the stark contrast. It can be used to express a strong feeling of both hate and love.
* "Je trouve ça horrible, mais je l'aime." (Je trouve ça horrible, mais je l'aime.) - This is a softer way to express the conflict, focusing on finding something horrible while still loving it.
* "Je le hais, mais je suis attiré par lui." (Je le hais, mais je suis attiré par lui.) - This emphasizes a strong attraction despite the hate, possibly suggesting an addictive or forbidden love.
2. Using Figurative Language:
* "C'est un poison qui me charme." (It's a poison that charms me.) - This metaphor suggests a love that is both dangerous and irresistible.
* "J'ai une haine d'amour pour..." (I have a love-hate relationship with...) - This idiom captures the essence of the feeling, but it's less precise.
3. Using Context:
The best way to express this sentiment in French is often to provide context. What are you hating and loving? What is the situation? For example, you could say:
* "Je déteste son arrogance, mais j'aime sa gentillesse." (I hate his arrogance, but I love his kindness.)
* "Je déteste sa façon de parler, mais j'aime sa passion." (I hate his way of speaking, but I love his passion.)
Ultimately, the best way to translate "I hate but I love" in French will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.