Maybe you have a French partner, or maybe you don’t, but you still want a cute French expression for your lover.

Look no further, I will share all the different ways that we can say “my lover”, “my partner”, my “significant other” in French, and the nuances they encompass, so you can choose the best for your personal situation.

Looking to say it, not just write it? Check out the video below for the right pronunciation.

Important: What’s your lover’s gender?

In French every noun is masculine or feminine, so make sure you adjust your favorite term to the right gender for your beloved.

If your lover is non-binary, there are a couple expressions you can use to avoid misgendering them. I’ve included those in the gender-neutral category.

My boyfriend/ girlfriend in French

Mon copain / ma copine

This is the most common way to say “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” in French. It is clear that you are not married, and it gives a less serious “vibe” than other options. You would use this if you are in high-school, college or have recently started a relationship.

This word is sometimes used for friends, typically of the same sex. The male version “copain” is mostly used for children nowadays, but adult women will still refer to their “copines” meaning female friends.

Mon petit ami / ma petite amie

Literally meaning “my little friend”. A slightly more old-fashioned way to say boyfriend or girlfriend.

In the movie ‘Le diner de cons”, a character uses the phrase “sa petite-amie” when speaking to the lover of a married man, to avoid using the harsher word “sa maitresse” (his mistress), but this use is infrequent.

Mon compagnon / ma compagne

My personal favourite way to refer to a live-in boyfriend or girlfriend.

The idea of ‘live-in’ isn’t spelled out as clearly as in the English expression, and you could technically use it for someone you aren’t living with. Either way, mon compagnon / ma compagne gives out serious vibes. Etymologically it means “the one who shares bread”. It’s the person that shares your life.

Mon amoureux / mon amoureuse

A cute word. It is sometimes used by children, or to refer to the early relationships of children, but adults can use it as well. Because it literally contains the word “amour” (French for love), emphasis is put on the feelings, not on the relationship.

Mon amant / mon amante (or: ma maîtresse)

Historically referring to an intimate partner you aren’t married to (even if you aren’t married at all), the meaning has shifted to mostly mean the person you cheat on your spouse with. So tread carefully with this one. Never use it to refer to your spouse, lest people think you have a side person.

My fiancé in French

Mon fiancé / Ma fiancée

The English word “fiancé” was borrowed from French. We use this word only in the period of time when we are engaged, but not yet married.

My husband / wife / spouse in French

Mon mari / Ma femme

The most common way to refer to your husband / wife in French.

You might notice that the word for wife is the same as the word for woman. Historically the status of a female human was defined not by their age but by whether they were married or not. This is why the French also have only one word, ‘la fille’ for ‘girl’ and ‘daughter’

Mon époux / Mon épouse

Etymologically related to the English word “spouse”, and same meaning and use: a more formal way to say “husband / wife.”

My beloved in French

Mon chéri / ma chérie

Whether you are married or not, this option will work. It’s etymologically related to the English ‘cherish’. It’s a bit cheesy but maybe that’s what you’re shooting for 😉

My partner in French: gender neutral options

Ma moitié (my better-half in French)

Literally ‘my half’. You can use it to refer to any person you are in a committed relationship with, no matter their gender or your marital status.

Mon âme soeur (my soulmate in French)

Literally ‘my sister soul’. That sounds really committed and loving. It shows that you are serious about the relationship but it might still come off as cheesy to other people.

Old-fashioned but cute

Mon bien-aimé / ma bien-aimée

I haven’t heard this one in a long time, but you can revive it! Literally it means “well-loved”. You can use it wether you are married or not.

Pronunciation

Watch the video to hear all these words pronounced.

Your next steps

If you like this way of learning French, you will love to learn with me as a student or client. Please check out:

My 1-1 coaching program, The French Transformation, if you need to improve your French fast.
My group program, The French Fluency Accelerator, if you’d like to join a community of students from all over the world. We have weekly practice calls together and the best online video library to learn French.

Pro tip: you don’t need to choose!

All my 1-1 clients are invited to join the French Accelerator free of charge.

Feel free to book a call with me now to discuss options.

10+ charming ways to say ‘my lover’ in French