French is considered the "language of love." However, it is difficult to be affectionate with our partners if we do not know how to refer to them. Whether you're talking to someone else or creating adorable expressions for each other, French offers a host of ways to refer to your partner.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Talk About Your Boyfriend
Step 1. Use “copain” to talk about your boyfriend
The most modern word to refer to your boyfriend, someone with whom you have a romantic relationship, is "copain." It is pronounced "co-pan", where the "n" is almost silent. It sounds like the famous classical composer Frédéric Chopin.
You can add the word "petit" ("pe-tit") before "copain" to make it sound a little more affectionate
Step 2. Use “petit ami” to refer to your boyfriend in a more adorable way
While this literally translates to "little friend," it is commonly used to refer to the groom in French. It is pronounced like “pe-tit a-mi”. If you find it useful, remember that "petit" rhymes with the word "repeat" in English and "ami" rhymes with the name "Tomi".
- Words are usually spoken very closely so that they sound as one.
- You must pronounce the "t" at the end of "petit" since the next word begins with a vowel.
Step 3. Use "cheri" to refer to your "darling" or boyfriend in a slightly more affectionate way
In general, the phrase "mon cheri" is a loving and usually intimate term used with someone who is your boyfriend. It is pronounced as "sherg-i", very similar to the word "sherry" in English. However, raise the sound of your voice slightly at the last letter "i".
Step 4. Mix and match various slang to speak affectionately about your boyfriend
There are several other terms you can say in an informal context to refer to it. Most of the following are not so intimate as to upset your friends, but also not very free to use all the time and in public.
- Mecc it is pronounced as "mec" and is translated as "boy" or "young." "Mon mec" is used to refer to the boyfriend, like "my boy."
- Jules it is pronounced as “yul”, strongly intoning the first consonant. This is another slang used to talk about a boy or boyfriend.
- Flirt it is pronounced similar to English. While it means “flirt” directly, it can also be used colloquially to refer to a boyfriend.
- Amoureux it is pronounced “a-mu-gro”, where the letters “g” and “r” must be pronounced from the base of the throat. It is used in several generally colloquial contexts. If used as an adjective, it means "loving" or "romantic."
Step 5. Use the slang "un chum" to talk about your boyfriend in Quebec
Quebec French has evolved over the years in North America. While other expressions will still make sense, you can use the slang “un chum”, pronounced like “tchum” if you go to the eastern side of Canada.
The slang for girlfriend is not "une chume", but "une blonde"
Method 2 of 2: Use it depending on the context
Step 1. Tell someone “he is my boyfriend” with “il est mon copain”
The translation is almost perfect, word for word. Of course, you can substitute "copain" for any word or slang you like.
It is pronounced “il e mon copan”
Step 2. Ask a boy to be your boyfriend with “Veux-tu être mon petit-ami? ”. You can also substitute petit-ami with any other word like “copain”. This literally translates to "Do you want to be my boyfriend?"
- It is pronounced “Vu-tu e-tro mon petit a-mi”, where the “u” and “tr” are pronounced from the base of the throat and the first “o” is pronounced by narrowing the lips as if to pronounce the vowel “and".
- You can also use "Would you go out with me?" or “Veux-tu sortir avec moi?”. The second part is pronounced "sogr-tigr a-vec mua."
Step 3. Ask someone if they are single with “Tu as un (petit) copain? ”. This is used to ask if someone has a boyfriend. You could ask "Are you free?", Which literally translates to "Are you free?" "Free" is pronounced "lib-gre."
Step 4. Tell your boyfriend that you love him with “Je t'aime”
This phrase simply means "I love you", although it can also be technically translated as "I like you."
It is pronounced "ye tem", exerting greater force when pronouncing the "y"
Step 5. Ask him to marry you with “Veux-tu m'épouser? ”. "Epuser" is pronounced "e-pu-se." Change it to "fiancé" after committing. Fiancé means "promised."