What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nous sommes amis is composed of nous (we), sommes (are) and amis (friends).
Which one should you use?
While nous sommes amis describes a state of being, the phrase nous nous entendons bien is used instead to describe the act of getting along well.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Nous sommes amis is a formal and neutral way to express this relationship. For a more formal expression that highlights the solidity and stability of the friendship, you can use Nous entretenons une amitié solide. In everyday, informal conversations, people often replace nous sommes with on est to say "we are", resulting in the phrase on est amis. Other informal options include On est de bons potes. or On est super potes, the latter of which expresses a particularly close friendship.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, Nous sommes chums. is a colloquial way to say we are friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group of people being referred to consists only of women, the adjective amis changes to the feminine plural form amies, making the phrase nous sommes amies.
Did you know?
- The word chum used in Quebec to mean 'friend' is a loanword from English that has become a staple of colloquial Canadian French.
- In some French dialects, one might use je instead of nous to mean 'we'. Historically, this usage was mocked in literature, such as the plays of Molière, as being characteristic of the peasantry.
- In French, the word amitié for friendship is conceptually linked to the Latin 'amicitia', which focuses on the bond of affection rather than just a casual acquaintance.
Examples in context
- Maintenant nous sommes amis.We are friends now.Tatoeba #10675263 by AutoBot, translation #6209990 by Hybrid
- Elle continue de penser que nous sommes amis.She continues to think that we are friends.Tatoeba #8587156 by Aiji, translation #2940005 by AlanF_US
- Nous sommes amis depuis de nombreuses années et notre amitié est très chère à mes yeux.We have been friends for many years, and our friendship is very dear to me.
- On est amis depuis toujours, tu es comme un frère pour moi.We have been friends forever, you are like a brother to me.
- En Belgique, on est potes depuis l'enfance.In Belgium, we have been friends since childhood.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about their long relationship.
- LéaJe suis contente que nous sommes amis.I am happy that we are friends.
- NathanMoi aussi, Léa.Me too, Léa.
- LéaTu peux toujours compter sur moi.You can always count on me.
- NathanC'est gentil, merci beaucoup.That's kind, thank you very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
