A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "We're very close" in French
Expresses a strong bond, whether romantic, familial, or platonic, in French.
Nous sommes très proches.
noo som treh PROSHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when talking about a couple who are clearly in love, or very good friends who spend a lot of time together. It can also describe a close-knit family.
Alternatives
- On est très proches.More casual, common in everyday speech.
- Nous sommes très unis.Emphasizes unity and solidarity, often for families or groups.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'proches'
The 'ch' sounds like 'sh' in 'shoe', and the final 's' is silent.
Gender agreement
'Proches' is the plural form; for a single male, it's 'proche', for a single female, it's 'proche'.
A small cultural note
French culture often values expressing affection and closeness openly, so this phrase is commonly used and understood.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say we are close friends in French?
You can say 'Nous sommes très proches' or the more casual 'On est très proches'. This clearly indicates a strong friendship.
Difference between 'proches' and 'amis'?
'Amis' simply means friends, while 'proches' implies a deeper emotional connection and intimacy beyond just being friends.
Can 'proches' be used for family?
Yes, 'Nous sommes très proches' is perfectly suitable for describing a close family relationship.