ma moitié
The English phrase "my other half" is translated into French as ma moitié.
Ma moitié is an affectionate and informal term used to refer to a person's romantic partner or spouse.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "my half", where ma means "my" (feminine) and moitié means "half".
Which one should you use?
While ma moitié is the standard way to express this, you can also use mon autre moitié to be more explicit.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ma moitié is an informal or affectionate way to refer to a partner, rather than a formal term like conjoint (spouse). Ma moitié is a polite way to say "my other half".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because moitié is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine possessive adjective ma even if you are referring to a male partner.
Did you know?
- The phrase ma moitié echoes the Platonic myth found in old French literature, where humans were split in two and spend their lives searching for their other part.
- The word moitié is a cognate of the rare English legal term 'moiety', which refers to one of two equal parts of a property.
- While ma moitié is affectionate, French speakers often use the term mon petit cœur (my little heart) as a similarly informal way to refer to a partner.
Examples in context
- Je suis si heureux(se) d'avoir trouvé mon autre moitiéI am so happy to have found my other half
- J'ai de la chance d'avoir trouvé ma moitiéI am lucky to have found my other half
- Ma moitié est la plus merveilleuse personne que je connaisseMy other half is the most wonderful person I know
- Je te présente ma moitié.I'd like you to meet my other half.
- Ma moitié arrive dans dix minutes.My other half will arrive in ten minutes.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are talking about a dinner party.
- EmmaTu invites aussi ma moitié ?Are you inviting my other half too?
- GabrielOui, bien sûr que je l'invite !Yes, of course I'm inviting him!
- EmmaC'est gentil, ma moitié sera ravie.That's kind, my other half will be delighted.
- GabrielOn se voit samedi alors.See you Saturday then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ma, moitié, CC BY-SA 4.0.
