ma dame
The French phrase for "my lady" is ma dame.
ma dame is used as an address towards a peeress. This specific two-word form is primarily found in historical fiction, poetry or highly stylized literature rather than in modern spoken French.
Meaning: address towards a peeress (noun)
Which one should you use?
While madame is the standard title for a woman (meaning madam or ma'am), the two-word form ma dame is used specifically in archaic or literary contexts to mean "my lady" as in a lady one serves or is devoted to.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a standard title or form of address for a woman, the two words are typically written as a single word: madame.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of dame, the word domna, is the same root that gives English the word 'dominate'.
- While ma dame is literary, in modern French, the single word madame is used for any adult woman regardless of her marital status.
- In some older French legal contexts, dame was used to denote the owner of a fief or land, regardless of her marital status.
Examples in context
- C'est ainsi que je me suis retrouvé, ce soir de novembre brumeux, à poursuivre le tram de Camberwell, le cœur ardent et déterminé à ce qu'il ne s'écoule pas un jour de plus avant que je ne trouve un exploit à la hauteur de ma dame.And so it was that I found myself that foggy November evening pursuing the Camberwell tram with my heart glowing within me, and with the eager determination that not another day should elapse before I should find some deed which was worthy of my lady.This sentence shows how ma dame might be used in a highly stylized or literary context.Tatoeba #9027902 by Micsmithel, translation #6622262 by Hybrid
Example conversation
A knight addresses a noblewoman in a castle courtyard.
- HugoJe suis à vos ordres, ma dame.I am at your command, my lady.
- LéaAvez-vous terminé votre mission, Hugo ?Have you finished your mission, Hugo?
- HugoOui, tout est prêt pour ma dame.Yes, everything is ready for my lady.
- LéaVous êtes très courageux.You are very brave.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dame, ma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
