mon copain
The English phrase "my boyfriend" is mon copain in French.
This phrase is used to refer to a male partner in a romantic relationship.
Which one should you use?
While mon copain can mean both "my boyfriend" and "my friend", mon petit ami is an informal way to say "my boyfriend" and mon mec is a common slang term meaning "my guy" or "my man" used in casual conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality varies depending on the term used. Mon compagnon is a formal expression, while mon copain, mon petit ami and mon mec are all used in informal settings. Mon mec is specifically characterized as slang.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using mon ami to mean "my boyfriend". In French, mon ami usually refers to a platonic male friend unless the context strongly suggests a romantic relationship.
Did you know?
- The word copain is etymologically built from the Latin components meaning 'with' and 'bread'. It literally translates to 'one who shares bread with you'.
- The word compagnon is often used to describe a long-term partner when the couple is not married but lives together.
- In France, using mon mec is highly common in casual speech, but it can sound overly aggressive or blunt in more conservative social circles.
Examples in context
- J'ai trompé mon copain.I cheated on my boyfriend.This sentence shows how to use mon copain to talk about cheating on a partner.Tatoeba #4992660 by sacredceltic, translation #2852020 by Hybrid
- J'ai acheté ça pour mon copain.I bought this for my boyfriend.This sentence illustrates using mon copain when talking about a gift for a partner.Tatoeba #5923269 by Aiji, translation #2485142 by Hybrid
- Je pense que mon copain me trompe.I think my boyfriend is cheating on me.This sentence demonstrates using mon copain to express suspicion of a partner's infidelity.Tatoeba #3446102 by sacredceltic, translation #3012624 by Hybrid
- Mon compagnon est très attentionné.My boyfriend is very caring.
- Mon petit ami et moi sommes allés au cinéma.My boyfriend and I went to the cinema.
- J'ai invité mon copain à dîner chez moi ce soir.I invited my boyfriend to have dinner at my place tonight.
- Ce week-end, je vais à la plage avec mon mec.This weekend, I'm going to the beach with my boyfriend.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is showing a photo to Hugo.
- ChloéRegarde, c'est mon copain sur cette photo.Look, this is my boyfriend in this photo.
- HugoIl a l'air très sympa !He looks very nice!
- ChloéOui, mon copain est vraiment adorable.Yes, my boyfriend is really sweet.
- HugoTu as beaucoup de chance, Chloé.You are very lucky, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries copain, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
