Meaning and Usage
ami (m/f) — a friend; copain (m) / copine (f) — a buddy, pal, or sometimes boyfriend/girlfriend
- Ami* refers to a true, lasting friendship and is more formal.
- Copain/copine* is casual, often used among young people for friends.
- Copain and copine* can also mean boyfriend or girlfriend, depending on context.
In English, both translate to "friend," but "copain/copine" can also mean "boyfriend/girlfriend."*
Formality and Connotation
ami — formal, serious friendship; copain/copine — informal, casual, friendly
- Ami* sounds more respectful and is used for deeper friendships.
- Copain/copine* is informal and used in everyday speech.
- Using ami implies a more meaningful emotional connection.
- Using copain/copine can imply a lighter, more playful relationship.
Examples of Usage
ami — Mon ami Pierre habite à Lyon. (My friend Pierre lives in Lyon.)
copain — Je sors avec mon copain ce soir. (I’m going out with my boyfriend tonight.)
copine — Ma copine est très sympa. (My girlfriend is very nice.)
copain — Paul est mon copain de collège. (Paul is my school buddy.)
- Ami* is used for general or long-term friendships.
- Copain/copine* can refer to friends or romantic partners, based on context.
- When specifying time or place, copain often refers to casual or school friends.
Complete this: Je sors avec mon __ ce soir.
copain
'Copain' is used here to indicate 'boyfriend' in a casual or romantic context.
Plural Forms and Agreement
ami → amis; copain → copains; copine → copines
- The plural forms are amis, copains, and copines.
- The masculine plural amis and copains can include mixed-gender groups.
- Use copines for a group of female friends.
- Adjectives must agree in gender and number (e.g., mes amis sympas, mes copines sympas).
Which adjective form is correct? Mes amis sont ___.
sympas
'Sympas' is the plural adjective form, agreeing with the plural noun 'amis.'
Regional and Cultural Notes
In Quebec French, copain and copine are commonly used for friends without romantic implications. In France, the romantic meaning is more pronounced, so context is key.
- In France, saying mon copain or ma copine usually implies a romantic relationship.
- In Quebec and some other French-speaking regions, copain and copine are often used simply to mean "friend."
- Be mindful of context and regional usage to avoid misunderstandings.
- Other terms like pote (slang for buddy) are also popular among young people.
Summary
Use ami for formal or deep friendships, and copain/copine for casual friends or romantic partners—context matters!
- Ami* = true friend, formal, lasting.
- Copain/copine* = casual friend or boyfriend/girlfriend.
- Context and region determine the exact meaning.
Is it always safe to assume copain/copine means boyfriend/girlfriend?
No, it depends on context and region.
'Copain/copine' may mean just friend in some regions (like Quebec) but often means boyfriend/girlfriend in France.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
