J'ai une petite amie
The English phrase "i have a girlfriend" is translated into French as J'ai une petite amie.
What does it mean word for word?
The term petite amie translates literally to "little friend" in order to mean "girlfriend".
Which one should you use?
While une petite amie translates to "a girlfriend", you can use ma petite amie if you want to specify "my girlfriend".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase J'ai une copine. is an informal way to say "I have a girlfriend." In casual conversation, speakers also frequently use ma copine to refer to "my girlfriend" instead of ma petite amie.
Did you know?
- The slang term meuf for 'girlfriend' is an example of verlan, a French street slang where syllables are inverted. It is the word femme spoken backwards.
- French uses the word petite in petite amie not to describe the woman's physical height, but as a term of endearment similar to 'dear' or 'sweetheart'.
- Historically, the word amie in Old French did not just mean 'friend' but specifically referred to a 'lover'.
Examples in context
- J'ai une petite amie.I have a girlfriend.Tatoeba #7694692 by sacredceltic, translation #1969242 by CK
- Je t'ai dit que j'ai une petite amie.I told you I have a girlfriend.Tatoeba #1970329 by sacredceltic, translation #1970229 by CK
- Maintenant que j'ai une petite amie, je suis heureux.Now that I have a girlfriend, I'm happy.Tatoeba #5405980 by Aiji, translation #2044919 by CK
- Bonjour, madame. J'ai une petite amie que j'aime beaucoup.Hello, madam. I have a girlfriend whom I love very much.
- Salut les gars, devinez quoi ? J'ai une nouvelle copine !Hey guys, guess what? I have a new girlfriend!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas tells Chloé about his new relationship during a coffee break.
- LucasJ'ai une petite amie maintenant.I have a girlfriend now.
- ChloéC'est super, Lucas ! Félicitations.That's great, Lucas! Congratulations.
- LucasMerci, elle est vraiment gentille.Thanks, she is really kind.
- ChloéJe suis très heureuse pour toi.I am very happy for you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amie, j'ai, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
