ex-petit ami
The English phrase "ex boyfriend" is translated into French as ex-petit ami.
The phrase refers to a man who was previously in a romantic relationship with someone.
Which one should you use?
Mon ancien petit ami specifically uses the adjective for "former," and Mon ancien mec translates more closely to "my former guy." The shorter Mon ex is a way to refer to an ex-boyfriend.
Did you know?
- In very informal settings, a French speaker might refer to an ex-boyfriend as mon ex-copain, using copain which originally meant 'someone you share bread with'.
- The word ami in ex-petit ami shares the same Latin root as the English word 'amicable', which describes a friendly or peaceable relationship.
- Depending on the region, such as in Quebec, the phrasing and frequency of using ex-copain may differ from the European French ex-petit ami.
Examples in context
- Mon ex-petit ami est obsédé par moi.My ex-boyfriend is obsessed with me.This sentence shows how to describe an ex-petit ami being obsessed.Tatoeba #12233565 by lbdx, translation #2662207 by Hybrid
- Mon ex-petit ami vient de m'appeler sans crier gare.My ex-boyfriend just called me out of the blue.This sentence demonstrates an ex-petit ami calling unexpectedly.Tatoeba #11749927 by lbdx, translation #3367418 by Hybrid
- Comment se passe ta vie amoureuse? Ça va, je suis célibataire en ce moment. Mon ex est parti il y a quelques mois.How is your love life going? It's okay, I'm single at the moment. My ex-boyfriend left a few months ago.
- Je ne veux pas voir mon ex-petit ami.I do not want to see my ex-boyfriend.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a party.
- HugoEst-ce que ton ex-petit ami sera là ?Will your ex-boyfriend be there?
- EmmaNon, il ne vient pas à la fête.No, he is not coming to the party.
- HugoC'est une bonne nouvelle pour toi, Emma.That is good news for you, Emma.
- EmmaOui, je suis plus sereine ainsi.Yes, I am more peaceful this way.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ami, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
