mon gars
/mɔ̃ ɡa/
The English phrase 'my guy' can be translated into French as mon gars.
Mon gars is an informal term used to refer to a male friend or a close acquaintance. You can use it as a direct address to speak to a friend, or to refer to a third person during a conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective mon (my) and the noun gars (guy, fellow or lad).
Which one should you use?
While mon gars means 'my guy' or 'my dude', you might also use mon pote to mean 'my friend' or 'my buddy' in an informal context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mon gars is a colloquial, informal expression. It should not be used in formal or professional settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, the variation mon chum is used. In Belgium, the variation mon poteau is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɔ̃ ɡa/
Did you know?
- In Québec, the term mon chum is used for 'my guy', but it is also the standard informal word for a romantic boyfriend.
- In France, calling someone mon gars can sometimes sound patronizing, like 'my boy', depending on the age difference between the speakers.
- The word gars is almost always used in the singular when addressing a friend, but in the plural les gars, it becomes a gender-neutral way to say 'guys' to a mixed group.
Examples in context
- Écoute, mon gars, il faut qu’on parle.Listen, my guy, we need to talk.This sentence shows how to use mon gars when addressing a person directly.
- Salut, mon pote ! Ça fait longtemps qu'on ne s'est pas vus.Hey, my friend! It's been a while since we last saw each other.
- C'est mon gars, on se connaît depuis l'école.He's my guy, we've known each other since school.
- Salut mon gars, ça va aujourd'hui ?Hey my guy, how are you doing today?
Example conversation
Chloé meets Gabriel at a cafe.
- ChloéSalut mon gars ! Ça fait plaisir de te voir.Hey my guy! It's great to see you.
- GabrielSalut Chloé ! Moi aussi, ça fait longtemps.Hi Chloé! Me too, it's been a while.
- ChloéTu veux prendre un café avec moi ?Do you want to have a coffee with me?
- GabrielOui, avec plaisir !Yes, I'd love to!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mon gars, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
