How to Say "My Girlfriend" in French

ma petite amie

In French, the phrase for "my girlfriend" is ma petite amie.

The phrase is used to refer to a woman with whom someone is in a romantic relationship. Depending on the level of intimacy, you might also use terms like ma chérie (my dear) or mon amour (my love) to express this.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase ma petite amie literally translates to "my little friend".

Which one should you use?

Ma petite amie is more explicit about the romantic nature of the relationship, whereas ma copine is more casual and widely used in spoken language.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Ma petite amie is a more formal way to state the relationship. For informal, everyday conversations, ma copine is very common. Among friends, you might also use ma partenaire to refer to a girlfriend or partner. If you need a formal way to describe the situation, you can use La femme avec qui je suis en couple (the woman I am in a relationship with).

What mistakes should you avoid?

Be aware that when using ma copine, the term can also mean "my female friend" depending on the context, though in a romantic context it usually means girlfriend.

Did you know?

In Quebec, the term ma blonde is the most common way to say 'my girlfriend' regardless of the woman's hair color.
In modern slang, some young people use ma meuf to mean 'my girlfriend', which is a form of Verlan, a popular French linguistic game where syllables are reversed.
The word copine is a feminine version of copain, which originally meant someone you shared bread with.

Examples in context

C'est ma petite amie.
She is my girlfriend.
This example shows how to use ma petite amie to identify someone.
Tatoeba #3252439 by sacredceltic, translation #312168 by CK
Ma petite amie pleure.
My girlfriend is crying.
This example demonstrates the use of ma petite amie to describe an action.
Tatoeba #1815961 by sacredceltic, translation #1815756 by Spamster
Ma petite amie pleurait.
My girlfriend was crying.
This example shows the past tense usage of ma petite amie.
Tatoeba #1815984 by sacredceltic, translation #1815753 by Spamster
J'ai réservé une table pour dîner avec ma petite amie ce soir.
I have reserved a table for dinner with my girlfriend tonight.
Je vais chez ma copine ce week-end.
I'm going to my girlfriend's place this weekend.
52 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Two friends are talking at a cafe.

Manon

Tu viens avec ma petite amie ?
Are you coming with my girlfriend?
Lucas

Non, je suis seul aujourd'hui.
No, I am alone today.
Manon

D'accord, Lucas.
Okay, Lucas.
Lucas

Et toi, Manon, comment va ta petite amie ?
And you, Manon, how is your girlfriend?

Sources

Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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How to Say “My Girlfriend” in French