petit ami et petite amie
The English phrase "boyfriend girlfriend" is translated into French as petit ami et petite amie.
These terms are used to describe people in a romantic relationship who are not married.
What does it mean word for word?
The masculine term petit ami and the feminine term petite amie both literally translate to "little friend".
Which one should you use?
While copain and copine can mean "buddy" or "friend", they are the standard informal terms for "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" when used in the context of a romantic relationship.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual conversation, French speakers often use the informal terms copain for a boyfriend and copine for a girlfriend instead of the more formal petit ami or petite amie.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to one's own boyfriend or girlfriend, it is common to use the possessive adjective mon or ma before the phrase, such as in mon petit ami.
Did you know?
- In Quebec, it is very common to use the term blonde to mean 'girlfriend' and chum to mean 'boyfriend', regardless of the person's actual hair color.
- The word copain comes from the Old French word for 'companion' and shares a root with the word for 'bread', suggesting a friend is someone you share a meal with.
- In France, the concept of 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend' is often superseded by the term compagnon or compagne for couples who live together but are not married.
Examples in context
- Je vous présente mon petit ami, Pierre.Let me introduce you to my boyfriend, Pierre.
- Voici ma petite amie, Marie.This is my girlfriend, Marie.
- Salut, voici mon copain, Thomas.Hi, this is my boyfriend, Thomas.
- Je te présente ma copine, Sophie.Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Sophie.
- Où est mon petit ami?Where is my boyfriend?
- Elle est ma petite amie depuis un an.She has been my girlfriend for a year.
- Je suis homosexuel et voici mon petit ami, Pierre.I am gay and this is my boyfriend, Pierre.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are talking about their friends.
- ManonRegarde, c'est un petit ami et petite amie.Look, that is a boyfriend and girlfriend.
- NathanIls ont l'air très heureux ensemble.They look very happy together.
- ManonOui, ils sont ensemble depuis un an.Yes, they have been together for a year.
- NathanC'est vraiment mignon.That is really cute.
