Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| petite amie | /pə.ti.t‿a.mi/ | dated, feminine |
| copine | /kɔ.pin/ | feminine |
| petite copine | /pə.tit kɔ.pin/ | dated, feminine |
| blonde | /blɔ̃d/ | Louisiana, New England, Quebec, feminine |
| nana | /na.na/ | feminine |
| meuf | /mœf/ | feminine |
| femme | /fam/ | feminine |
| chérie | /ʃe.ʁi/ | feminine |
| compagne | /kɔ̃.paɲ/ | feminine |
| partenaire | /paʁ.tə.nɛʁ/ | feminine |
All the terms provided refer to a female partner in a romantic relationship. Some terms, such as nana or meuf, are used more broadly to refer to a woman or girl in general, while others like compagne or partenaire imply a more serious or stable relationship.
Which one should you use?
While petite amie and petite copine are both used for girlfriend, they are both considered dated. The word copine is informal, but it can mean either a female friend or a girlfriend depending on the context. In contrast, compagne means 'companion' and is used to refer to a female romantic partner, often implying a more serious connection.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a standard or slightly dated way to say girlfriend, use petite amie. If you want to be informal, copine is a choice, often used in the phrase ma copine to mean 'my girlfriend'. For very informal slang used predominantly in France, you can use meuf. If you need a formal or serious term for a long-term partner, use compagne.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Louisiana and New England, it is common to refer to a girlfriend as blonde (meaning 'my blonde').
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form of the informal term for a girlfriend, copine, is copain, which means boyfriend. To specifically say 'my girlfriend' using the term petite amie, you use the possessive adjective ma to form ma petite amie.
How do you pronounce it?
/pə.ti.t‿a.mi/
When do people say it?
The term chérie is an endearing term meaning 'my dear' or 'my sweetheart' used for one's girlfriend.
Did you know?
- The slang word meuf is an example of verlan, a type of French slang where syllables are reversed. It is the word femme spoken backwards.
- The word copine comes from copain, which originates from the Latin compāniō, meaning someone with whom you share bread.
- In parts of North America like Quebec, a man might refer to his girlfriend as ma blonde, even if she has dark hair.
Examples in context
- A-t-il une nana ?Does he have a girlfriend?This sentence is useful for asking if a man has a girlfriend using nana.Tatoeba #1767901 by sacredceltic, translation #1745738 by Spamster
- Qui est ta nana ?Who's your girlfriend?This sentence is useful for asking who someone's girlfriend is using nana.Tatoeba #2254187 by sacredceltic, translation #2240401 by Hybrid
- Tom a une copine.Tom has a girlfriend.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has a girlfriend using copine.Tatoeba #5270594 by BabyAzerty, translation #2547596 by CK
- Je vous présente ma petite amie, Sophie.I'd like to introduce my girlfriend, Sophie.
- Ma copine et moi allons au cinéma ce soir.My girlfriend and I are going to the movies tonight.
- 404 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is introducing someone to Emma.
- NathanJe te présente ma petite amie, Julie.I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Julie.
- EmmaEnchantée de te rencontrer, Julie !Nice to meet you, Julie!
- NathanElle est très gentille, n'est-ce pas ?She is very kind, isn't she?
- EmmaOui, ta petite amie a l'air adorable.Yes, your girlfriend seems lovely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “girlfriend” translations and entries petite amie, copine, petite copine, blonde, nana, meuf, femme, chérie, compagne, partenaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amie, copine, petite amie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
