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 |
These terms are used to refer to a male partner in a romantic relationship.
What does it mean word for word?
The term petit ami is literally composed of petit (little) and ami (friend).
Which one should you use?
While petit ami and petit copain are both used for boyfriend, they are considered dated. Using the phrase mon/ton/son ami without the adjective petit is ambiguous, as it often simply means 'my/your/his friend' rather than implying a romantic relationship.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For everyday spoken French, mon copain is a very common and informal way to say 'my boyfriend'. In even more informal or slang contexts, you can use mon mec to mean 'my guy' or 'my man'. If you are referring to a long-term partner in a more formal or serious way, use compagnon. The term partenaire is also used for a partner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the colloquial term chum is commonly used to refer to a boyfriend. The term mon copain is used in both France and Quebec.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of petit ami is /pə.ti.t‿a.mi/.
Did you know?
- The word copain comes from the Latin words com meaning 'with' and panis meaning 'bread'. It originally described a 'messmate' or someone you shared a loaf of bread with.
- In Quebec, the word chum is used for a boyfriend. This is a loanword from English, but its meaning in French specifically highlights a romantic partner rather than just a platonic friend.
- The French term compagnon is used for long-term partners who may live together but are not married. It carries a weight of stability that copain does not.
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 stating that a boyfriend 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 for a boyfriend.Tatoeba #2221826 by sacredceltic, translation #2221028 by Hybrid
- 200 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking at a cafe.
- LucasEst-ce que tu as un petit ami ?Do you have a boyfriend?
- ManonOui, mon petit ami s'appelle Thomas.Yes, my boyfriend's name is Thomas.
- LucasIl est très sympa, ton petit ami.Your boyfriend is very nice.
- ManonMerci, c'est vraiment gentil de ta part.Thanks, that is really kind of you.
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.
