ma femme
In French, the phrase "my woman" is translated as ma femme.
The phrase ma femme is used by a man to refer to his wife. While the word femme literally means "woman," in this specific context, the phrase is the standard way to say "my wife."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective ma (my) and the noun femme (woman/wife).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ma femme is a standard, neutral way to refer to one's spouse. For a more formal tone, you can use mon épouse. Conversely, if you are referring to a girlfriend or female partner in an informal way, use ma copine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the informal expression ma blonde is a popular way to say "my woman".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because femme is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine possessive adjective ma instead of the masculine mon.
Did you know?
- The prehistoric root of femme is linked to the concept of nursing or breastfeeding, deriving from a root meaning 'to suckle'.
- In Quebec, the phrase ma blonde means 'my girlfriend' or 'my wife' regardless of the woman's actual hair color.
- While ma femme is the standard way to say 'my wife', using the more formal mon épouse can sometimes make a person sound like they are reading from a legal document or a wedding invitation.
Examples in context
- Restez à l'écart de ma femme !Stay away from my woman.This sentence shows how to use ma femme when telling someone to stay away from a spouse.Tatoeba #4218198 by sacredceltic, translation #4195849 by CK
- Je vous présente ma femme, Sophie.Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Sophie.
- Voici ma copine, Marie.This is my girlfriend, Marie.
- Je dois présenter ma femme.I must introduce my wife.
- Ma femme est très gentille.My wife is very kind.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are talking at a social gathering.
- HugoEst-ce que tu viens avec ma femme ?Are you coming with my wife?
- EmmaNon, je reste ici seule.No, I am staying here alone.
- HugoD'accord, on se voit plus tard.Okay, see you later.
- EmmaÀ tout à l'heure, Hugo.See you in a bit, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries femme, ma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
