je te tiens or je tiens à toi

Question

Hello, I am a little bit confused on the use of à and the pronouns (me, te, nous, vous). Why is it “je tiens à toi” and not “je te tiens” (I am trying to say I care about you). thank you.

Maarten Kamp · Accepted Answer

memow m. 
A number of French verb expressions do not ‘ allow ‘ indirect object pronouns - the expression ‘ tenir à qqn ‘ is one of them.
In this case a stress pronoun can be used after the verb expression, when referring to a person. 
You cannot say ‘ je te tiens ‘ instead of ‘ je tiens à toi ‘.
See link on this site and links to Laura Lawless site for Advanced Indirect Objects for more discussion and examples: 
https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/indirect-objects-2/
 https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/my-languages/french/view/722
 https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/stressed-pronouns/

Céline Pickard · Answer

Bonjour Memow,
Maarten's explanation is great!
Also, take a look at the following examples:
- Maman, j'ai peur de tomber. - Ne t'inquiète pas ! Je te tiens. = - Mum, I am scared of falling. - Don't worry! I've got you [lit: I'm holding you]. 
-> tenir [quelque chose / quelqu'un] = to carry/hold [someone / something] / physical act of holding [someone / something]
 
Ton amitié est précieuse, Marie. Je tiens beaucoup à toi ! = Your friendship is precious. I care a lot about you!
Cette photo a une grande valeur sentimentale. J'y tiens beaucoup. = This picture is of a great sentimental value. I care about it a lot.
 -> tenir à [quelqu'un / quelque chose] = to care about [someone / something] / emotional or sentimental weight
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !