Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| partenaire | /paʁ.tə.nɛʁ/ | feminine, masculine |
| compagnon | /kɔ̃.pa.ɲɔ̃/ | masculine |
| conjoint | /kɔ̃.ʒwɛ̃/ | masculine |
In French, the term used for partner depends heavily on whether you are discussing a business/sports relationship, a romantic relationship or a legal status. partenaire is a neutral, versatile term for a partner in business, sports or a general sense, though it is less intimate than words used for romantic partners. To specifically denote a romantic 'life partner' and avoid the professional connotation of partenaire, you can use the phrase partenaire de vie.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word changes the meaning of the relationship: partenaire is used for business partners, dance partners or teammates and is less intimate. compagnon is used specifically for a romantic partner or life companion, implying a long-term relationship. conjoint is a formal or legal term used in administrative contexts to refer to a spouse or domestic partner.
How does it change in a sentence?
partenaire is both masculine and feminine. The masculine form of the romantic companion is compagnon, while the feminine form is compagne. The masculine form of the legal partner is conjoint, while the feminine form is conjointe.
How do you pronounce it?
The word partenaire is pronounced /paʁ.tə.nɛʁ/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word compagnon is rooted in the ancient idea of someone with whom you share your bread, derived from the Latin panis meaning 'bread'.
- While conjoint is the standard for legal status, it is strictly used in administrative contexts and would feel quite cold in a social setting.
Examples in context
- Je suis ton partenaire.I'm your partner.This sentence shows how to say 'I am your partner' using partenaire.Tatoeba #4686251 by sacredceltic, translation #1891164 by CK
- J'ai besoin d'un partenaire.I need a partner.This sentence demonstrates the phrase 'I need a partner' using partenaire.Tatoeba #5601368 by sacredceltic, translation #2635896 by meerkat
- Tom était un bon partenaire.Tom was a good partner.This sentence provides an example of 'Tom was a good partner' using partenaire.Tatoeba #8620465 by felix63, translation #9136586 by acell
- Je suis ravi de travailler avec mon partenaire sur ce projet.I am delighted to work with my partner on this project.
- Notre entreprise cherche un partenaire pour une collaboration future.Our company is looking for a partner for future collaboration.
- Mon associé est très compétent dans le domaine des affaires.My partner is very competent in the business field.
- Nous avons trouvé un nouvel associé pour notre projet en France.We found a new partner for our project in France.
- Chéri, veux-tu sortir dîner ce soir?Darling, would you like to go out for dinner tonight?
- Mon copain m'a offert un joli cadeau d'anniversaire.My boyfriend gave me a nice birthday present.
- Je sors avec ma copine depuis deux ans maintenant.I have been dating my girlfriend for two years now.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing a party invitation.
- LucasPeux-tu venir avec ton partenaire ?Can you come with your partner?
- ManonOui, mon partenaire sera ravi de venir.Yes, my partner will be delighted to come.
- LucasC'est super, j'ai hâte de le rencontrer.That's great, I look forward to meeting him.
- ManonMerci, Lucas, on sera là à vingt heures.Thank you, Lucas, we will be there at eight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “partner” translations and entries partenaire, compagnon, conjoint, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compagnon, conjoint, partenaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
