c'est ma petite amie
The phrase "this is my girlfriend" in French is c'est ma petite amie.
This sentence is used to introduce a female romantic partner to someone else.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, c'est ma petite amie translates to "it is my little friend".
Which one should you use?
While c'est ma petite amie is a standard way to state this, the term ma copine is a more colloquial alternative used in everyday speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ma petite amie sounds more formal and serious. In casual conversation, French speakers are much more likely to use the informal ma copine.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ma petite amie to refer to a platonic "little friend". In French, this specific phrase denotes a romantic partner.
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, the term ma blonde is the most common way to say 'my girlfriend', regardless of the woman's hair color.
- The word amie in this phrase evolved from the Old French word for 'lover', reflecting a historical link between friendship and romantic love.
- While ma petite amie is common, many French adults avoid it because the word petite (little) can sound infantilizing or overly precious in a mature relationship.
Examples in context
- C'est ma petite amie.This is my girlfriend.This example shows how to use c'est ma petite amie.Tatoeba #3252439 by sacredceltic, translation #2646501 by CK
- Permettez-moi de vous présenter ma petite amie.Allow me to introduce you to my girlfriend.
- J'ai le plaisir de vous présenter ma petite amie.I have the pleasure of introducing you to my girlfriend.
- Voici ma copine.Here is my girlfriend.
- Elle, c'est ma petite amie.She is my girlfriend.
- Laisse-moi te présenter ma meuf.Let me introduce you to my girl.
- Je te présente Julie, c'est ma petite amie.I'd like to introduce Julie, this is my girlfriend.
- Salut tout le monde, c'est ma petite amie, Sarah.Hi everyone, this is my girlfriend, Sarah.
Example conversation
Hugo introduces his partner to his friend Chloé at a party.
- HugoChloé, je te présente Sarah. C'est ma petite amie.Chloé, I introduce you to Sarah. This is my girlfriend.
- ChloéEnchantée de te rencontrer, Sarah !Nice to meet you, Sarah!
- HugoElle habite ici aussi.She lives here too.
- ChloéC'est super, bienvenue !That's great, welcome!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amie, c'est, ma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
