ami
/a.mi/
The French word for male friend is ami.
The term ami is used to mean a friend. Depending on the context, it can also mean boyfriend, although petit ami is a more specific way to say boyfriend.
Which one should you use?
While ami refers to a male friend, the feminine form amie is used to refer to a female friend.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, chum is a common informal way to refer to a male friend.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word in a phrase, you can use the masculine indefinite article un to say un ami (a male friend) or the masculine possessive adjective mon to say mon ami (my male friend).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /a.mi/.
Did you know?
- If you use the phrase mon ami with certain intonations, it can actually sound condescending or patronizing, similar to calling someone 'my friend' in a sarcastic way in English.
- While ami is the standard term, a French speaker might use the slang term pote to refer to a male friend in an extremely casual setting.
- While ami means friend, the verb aimer means both 'to like' and 'to love', reflecting a shared root between friendship and affection.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais vous présenter mon ami Marc.I would like to introduce my friend Marc to you.
- Je sors ce soir avec mes potes.I'm going out tonight with my buddies.
- C'est un vieil ami.It is an old friend.
- Il est mon meilleur ami.He is my best friend.
- Je cherche un ami pour m'aider.I am looking for a friend to help me.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are at a cafe talking about social plans.
- EmmaTu viens avec un ami ?Are you coming with a male friend?
- GabrielOui, je viens avec un ami.Yes, I am coming with a friend.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est un ami d'enfance ?Is it a childhood friend?
- GabrielNon, c'est juste un ami de l'université.No, he is just a friend from university.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ami, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
