A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This is my boyfriend" in French
Introduce your boyfriend to friends and family in France with this simple, direct phrase.
C'est mon copain.
seh mohn ko-PAHNcasual
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're introducing your boyfriend to someone for the first time, like at a party or a family gathering. It's a straightforward way to make the introduction clear.
Alternatives
- Voici mon copain.Slightly more formal, like presenting someone.
- C'est mon petit ami.Can sound a bit more serious or even slightly dated depending on context.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'copain'
The 'p' is pronounced, and the 'ain' is a nasal vowel, not like 'pain' in English.
Gender agreement
'Copain' is masculine; use 'copine' for a girlfriend.
A small cultural note
While 'copain' is common, the term 'petit ami' can sometimes imply a more serious, long-term relationship, so 'copain' is often the safer, more casual choice for introducing someone.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between copain and petit ami?
'Copain' is the most common and casual term for boyfriend. 'Petit ami' can imply a more established or serious relationship.
How do I say 'this is my girlfriend'?
You would say 'C'est ma copine.' Remember to use 'ma' because 'copine' is feminine.
Can I use 'mon ami' for boyfriend?
While 'mon ami' means 'my friend', it's generally not used to specify a romantic boyfriend; 'copain' is the standard term.
