Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| petit ami | /pə.ti.t‿a.mi/ | dated, masculine |
| mon/ton/son ami | masculine | |
| mon/ton/son copain | masculine | |
| petit copain | /pə.ti kɔ.pɛ̃/ | dated, masculine |
| chum | /tʃɔm/ | Quebec, masculine |
| mec | /mɛk/ | masculine |
| compagnon | /kɔ̃.pa.ɲɔ̃/ | masculine |
| partenaire | /paʁ.tə.nɛʁ/ | masculine |
All the terms listed below are used to refer to a male partner in a romantic relationship. While some terms specifically mean a boyfriend, others can be more general, such as compagnon, which implies a long-term partner or partenaire, which refers to a partner.
Which one should you use?
Using mon/ton/son ami without the adjective petit usually means "my/your/his friend" rather than "my/your/his boyfriend". The term petit ami and its variation petit copain are considered dated. Mon/ton/son copain and mon copain are common, slightly more casual ways to say "my boyfriend" compared to petit ami. The slang term mec can be used to refer to a boyfriend, similar to saying "my guy" or "my man".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal or serious context, such as a long-term life companion, use compagnon. In everyday informal situations, mon copain is a very common choice. If you want to use slang, you can use mec to mean "guy" or "dude" when referring to a boyfriend or use the colloquial mon mec.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the colloquial term chum is used to mean boyfriend or guy.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of petit ami is /pə.ti.t‿a.mi/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use mon ami to mean "my boyfriend". However, in French, this almost always means "my friend".
Did you know?
- The term copain comes from the Latin 'companiō', which literally means 'with-bread', describing someone you share a loaf with.
- In Quebec, the word chum is used for boyfriend, borrowing the English word but giving it a specific romantic meaning.
- French uses the adjective petit, meaning 'small', to distinguish a romantic partner petit ami from a platonic friend ami.
Examples in context
- As-tu un petit ami ?Do you have a boyfriend?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a boyfriend.Tatoeba #540178 by sacredceltic, translation #540088 by gracehero
- Mon petit ami pleure.My boyfriend is crying.This sentence is useful for describing a boyfriend who is crying.Tatoeba #1815969 by sacredceltic, translation #1815755 by Spamster
- Je veux un petit ami.I want a boyfriend.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to have a boyfriend.Tatoeba #2221826 by sacredceltic, translation #2221028 by Hybrid
- J'ai un nouveau copain. Il est très gentil.I have a new boyfriend. He is very kind.
- 200 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their dating lives at a cafe.
- GabrielTon petit ami est très gentil.Your boyfriend is very kind.
- LéaMerci, c'est un homme génial.Thanks, he is a great man.
- GabrielEst-ce que ton petit ami vient avec toi ?Is your boyfriend coming with you?
- LéaNon, il travaille ce soir.No, he is working tonight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boyfriend” translations and entries petit ami, petit copain, chum, mec, compagnon, partenaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ami, copain, petit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
