What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it is my woman", as femme means both "woman" and "wife".
Which one should you use?
While ma femme is the standard way to say "my wife", in certain contexts using femme alone can simply mean "woman", so the possessive ma is essential to clarify the relationship.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal settings or official documents, you might use mon épouse (my spouse) or the phrase Voici mon épouse (This is my wife). If you are introducing your wife to someone you know well, you can use the informal Je te présente ma femme (I'm introducing you to my wife).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebecois French, the phrase C'est ma blonde can be used to mean "This is my wife".
How does it change in a sentence?
Even though English uses "this is" to introduce people, French uses the impersonal c'est (it is) for this purpose.
Did you know?
- In Quebec, the phrase C'est ma blonde (This is my blonde) is a common way to introduce a wife or girlfriend, regardless of her actual hair color.
- The word femme shares a common ancestor with the English word 'suck', specifically from a root meaning 'to suckle' or 'to breastfeed'.
Examples in context
- C'est ma femme, Marie.This is my wife, Marie.
Example conversation
Chloé introduces her wife to her friend Gabriel at a party.
- ChloéGabriel, je te présente Julie.Gabriel, I would like to introduce you to Julie.
- GabrielEnchanté, Julie.Nice to meet you, Julie.
- ChloéC'est ma femme.This is my wife.
- GabrielFélicitations à vous deux.Congratulations to you both.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, femme, ma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
