complice
/kɔ̃.plis/feminine, masculine
The English phrase 'partner in crime' can be translated into French as complice. Wiktionary also lists acolyte.
Meaning: close associate (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| complice | /kɔ̃.plis/ | feminine, masculine |
| acolyte | /a.kɔ.lit/ | masculine |
In a literal sense, complice means an accomplice who participates in a wrongdoing. However, it is used figuratively to describe a close, inseparable friend with whom you share secrets or engage in mischief.
What does it mean word for word?
The word complice literally translates to 'accomplice'.
Which one should you use?
While complice is the direct translation for a partner in a crime, it is often used figuratively in French to mean a close, inseparable friend, much like the English idiom 'partner in crime'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun complice is invariable in gender. The spelling remains the same whether the partner is male or female.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.plis/
Did you know?
- In French, the term complice can be used to describe a 'look' between two people, such as un regard complice, which indicates a shared secret or silent understanding.
- The word acolyte originally described a low-ranking church official who assisted the priest during a service.
- The term acolyte implies a relationship of hierarchy, suggesting one person is a follower or assistant to the other, whereas complice implies equality.
Examples in context
- Mon complice et moi avons remporté de nombreux succès ensemble.My partner in crime and I have achieved many successes together.
- Mon acolyte et moi, on prépare toujours de superbes surprises pour les anniversaires.My partner in crime and I always plan amazing surprises for birthdays.
- Elle est ma complice dans toutes mes aventures.She is my partner in crime in all my adventures.
- Nous sommes des complices de longue date.We are long-time associates.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are reminiscing about their childhood mischief.
- GabrielTu te souviens de nos bêtises ?Do you remember our mischief?
- LéaBien sûr, tu étais mon complice préféré.Of course, you were my favorite partner in crime.
- GabrielOn était inséparables à l'époque.We were inseparable back then.
- LéaEt on est toujours les meilleurs pour ça.And we are still the best at that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “partner in crime” translations and entries complice, acolyte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
