Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| amant | /a.mɑ̃/ | masculine |
| amante | /a.mɑ̃t/ | feminine |
In French, amant refers to a sexual partner. While the English word 'lover' can be used for any romantic partner, amant specifically implies a sexual relationship, often one that is secretive or involves an affair.
Which one should you use?
Use amant or amante to focus on the sexual nature of a connection. If you are referring to a romantic partner in a standard dating relationship, use petit ami or petite amie (boyfriend or girlfriend) instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is amant and the feminine singular is amante. To express the plural, use amants for masculine or mixed groups and amantes for a group of female lovers.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.mɑ̃/
When do people say it?
When expressing affection to a lover, French speakers often use terms like mon amour (my love), mon trésor (my treasure) or chéri(e) (dear).
Did you know?
- In French, the word aimant can also mean 'magnet', creating a strange linguistic link between 'one who loves' and a physical object that attracts.
- The word amant is derived from the Latin 'amāre', which is the same root used for 'amateur' in English, though the meanings have diverged significantly.
- If a French speaker describes someone as un grand amant, they are usually praising that person's skill or prowess in bed rather than the depth of their romantic feelings.
Examples in context
- As-tu un amant ?Do you have a lover?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a lover.Tatoeba #3991677 by Rovo, translation #1655722 by gleki
- Tom est son amant.Tom is her lover.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is someone's lover.Tatoeba #7895953 by felix63, translation #11278072 by ddnktr
- Mon amant ne m'aime pas.My lover doesn't love me.This sentence is useful for expressing that a lover does not love the speaker.Tatoeba #759736 by sacredceltic, translation #759678 by Martha
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing a scandalous rumor in a cafe.
- EmmaElle a un nouvel amant, paraît-il.She has a new lover, apparently.
- HugoC'est son amant secret ?Is he her secret lover?
- EmmaOui, il est son amant depuis un mois.Yes, he has been her lover for a month.
- HugoL'amant est très discret alors.The lover is very discreet then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lover” translations and entries amant, amante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
