mari
/ma.ʁi/masculine
The French word for husband is mari. Wiktionary also lists époux.
Meaning: male partner in marriage (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mari | /ma.ʁi/ | masculine |
| époux | /e.pu/ | masculine |
Both mari and époux refer to a male partner in a marriage.
Which one should you use?
mari is the common, everyday word for husband used in most conversations, while époux is a more formal term often used in legal, administrative or official contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of mari is maris. While époux is the masculine form of the formal term, its feminine counterpart is épouse (wife).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ma.ʁi/ in two syllables.
Did you know?
- In very informal French slang or certain specific contexts, the word mari can be a clipped form of the word for 'marijuana'.
- In French legal documents, the plural term les époux is used to refer to a married couple as a single collective unit.
- French makes a specific distinction where époux is used for the legal status of a spouse, while mari focuses on the social and domestic role of the husband.
Examples in context
- As-tu un époux ?Do you have a husband?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has an époux.Tatoeba #1203053 by sacredceltic, translation #774849 by marloncori
- Où est mon mari ?Where's my husband?This sentence is useful for asking the location of one's mari.Tatoeba #2354730 by Amastan, translation #2254641 by CK
- Il est mon époux.He's my husband.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as one's époux.Tatoeba #4696230 by sacredceltic, translation #2237882 by CK
- Mon mari est un homme merveilleux.My husband is a wonderful man.
- Mon époux est mon meilleur ami.My husband is my best friend.
- Je t'aime, mon mari chéri.I love you, my beloved husband.
- Mon mari adoré est toujours là pour moi.My adored husband is always there for me.
- 346 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is introducing her husband to Lucas at a party.
- ChloéLucas, je te présente mon mari.Lucas, I introduce you to my husband.
- LucasEnchanté de vous rencontrer !Nice to meet you!
- ChloéMon mari est architecte.My husband is an architect.
- LucasC'est vraiment passionnant.That is really fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “husband” translations and entries mari, époux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mari, époux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
