copain
/kɔ.pɛ̃/masculine
The English phrase 'mate' can be translated into French using copain or camarade.
Meaning: friend (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| copain | /kɔ.pɛ̃/ | masculine |
| camarade | /ka.ma.ʁad/ | masculine |
The word copain is a widely used informal term for a mate or a friend. However, depending on the context, it can also mean 'boyfriend'. For example, referring to a person as mon copain is a common way to say 'my boyfriend'.
Which one should you use?
Copain is used for a friend or mate, but in a romantic context, it specifically means 'boyfriend'. In contrast, camarade is used to mean 'mate' in the sense of a comrade or a fellow member of a group, often carrying a political or formal connotation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form of the word for friend is copain. To refer to a female friend or 'girlfriend', you use the feminine form copine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of copain is /kɔ.pɛ̃/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word copain literally means 'with-bread'. It is derived from the Late Latin term for someone who shares a loaf of bread with you.
Examples in context
- « Où se trouve Tom ? » « Ne me posez pas la question, camarade. Je n'en ai pas la moindre idée. »"Where's Tom?" "Don't ask me, mate. I haven't got a clue."This sentence shows how camarade can be used to address someone as 'mate'.Tatoeba #11342560 by Micsmithel, translation #10741391 by sundown
- C'est un bon copain.He is a good mate.
- Je cherche un copain pour jouer.I am looking for a mate to play with.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are talking about their weekend plans.
- EmmaTu viens au ciné avec un copain ?Are you coming to the cinema with a mate?
- NathanOui, je viens avec mon copain de foot.Yes, I'm coming with my football mate.
- EmmaC'est super, il est sympa ?That's great, is he nice?
- NathanOui, c'est un vrai copain.Yes, he's a real mate.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mate” translations and entries copain, camarade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries camarade, copain, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
