The English word 'partner' is incredibly versatile, isn't it? You could be talking about your romantic partner, your business partner, or your partner in a friendly game of tennis. In French, however, the context is king! Using the right term is crucial for clarity and sounding natural. Whether you're introducing your significant other or discussing a professional collaboration, French has a specific word for the occasion. Ready to explore the nuances? Let’s dive into 9 essential ways to say 'partner' in French!

The general 'partner' (romantic or professional) – un/une partenaire

A very useful and increasingly common word you'll hear in modern French is partenaire, which translates directly to 'partner'.

Partenaire is a versatile term used to describe both a romantic partner and a professional or activity-based partner, such as in business, sports, or dance.

The word partenaire itself doesn't change based on gender. It's what's known as an epicene noun. You can tell the gender of the person by the article used:

un partenaire: a male partner
une partenaire: a female partner

In a romantic context, partenaire is a modern, neutral way to refer to a significant other, especially for unmarried couples or in LGBTQ+ relationships. It is seen as more serious and committed than copain/copine but less formal than mari/femme (husband/wife).

Professionally, partenaire is straightforward. It can mean a business partner (un partenaire d'affaires), a doubles partner in tennis (un partenaire de double), or a dance partner (un partenaire de danse). The context almost always makes the meaning clear.

So how do you tell the difference? Context is everything. If someone says, 'Je vis avec mon partenaire,' they are almost certainly referring to their romantic partner. If they say, 'J'ai une réunion avec mon partenaire commercial,' it's clearly about business.

💡 * Il a lancé son entreprise avec un partenaire de confiance.

Elle est venue à la soirée avec sa partenaire.

Mon partenaire de tennis et moi avons gagné le match.

Ils sont partenaires dans la vie et au travail.

The 'spouse' or married partner – un époux/une épouse

The “spouse” or married partner – un époux/une épouse

When it comes to legal and formal contexts, the terms for a married partner are un époux (a husband/male spouse) and une épouse (a wife/female spouse). These words are the most precise and official way to refer to a spouse, directly emphasizing the legal bond of marriage.

You will typically encounter époux/épouse in official documents like marriage certificates, tax forms, and legal contracts. It's also the term used in the formal vows of a wedding ceremony, for example, « Je te prends comme épouse. » (I take you as my wife.)

So why not use it all the time? In everyday conversation, French speakers overwhelmingly prefer to use mon mari (my husband) and ma femme (my wife). Using mon époux or mon épouse when chatting with friends can sound overly formal, a bit old-fashioned, or even slightly dramatic, unless used humorously.

The terms are directly related to the verb épouser, which means “to marry.” This connection reinforces their role as the definitive terms for the state of being married, distinct from just being in a long-term relationship.

Think of époux/épouse as the official job title of a spouse—perfect for formal situations and paperwork. For everything else, mari/femme is the warm, standard choice for daily life.

💡 * Veuillez inscrire le nom de votre époux sur la ligne ci-dessous. (Please write your spouse's name on the line below.)

L'épouse du diplomate l'accompagnait à tous les événements officiels. (The diplomat's wife accompanied him to all official events.)

Le couple a été présenté comme époux et épouse à la fin de la cérémonie. (The couple was presented as husband and wife at the end of the ceremony.)

C'est mon épouse, a-t-il dit fièrement. (This is my wife, he said proudly.)

The long-term, cohabiting partner (unmarried) – un compagnon/une compagne

For a serious, long-term, and often cohabiting partner, especially when the couple isn't married, the French language has the perfect term: un compagnon or une compagne.

Meaning 'partner' or 'companion,' these terms signify a deep, stable, and committed relationship. It's a step above copain/copine and is often used for couples who share a life together, much like the English 'life partner'.

You'll often hear compagnon/compagne used by older couples who have chosen not to marry, or by any couple in a long-term, established relationship that functions like a marriage. It carries a sense of a shared life journey.

The forms are straightforward: un compagnon (a male partner) and une compagne (a female partner). Unlike ami or copain, these terms are almost exclusively used in a romantic context when referring to a person.

Think of compagnon/compagne as the French equivalent of 'significant other.' It removes the ambiguity that can come with copain/copine, clearly indicating a serious partnership without the legal status of marriage (mari/femme).

💡 * Je vais au cinéma avec ma compagne ce soir. (I'm going to the movies with my partner tonight.)

Il vit avec son compagnon depuis dix ans. (He has been living with his partner for ten years.)

Elle a présenté son compagnon à ses parents. (She introduced her partner to her parents.)

Mon compagnon et moi partageons les tâches ménagères. (My partner and I share the household chores.)

1. The Common 'Boyfriend' or 'Girlfriend' – Un Copain/Une Copine

The terms un copain (masculine) and une copine (feminine) are arguably the most common ways to say 'friend' in everyday French. However, their meaning is highly dependent on context and can shift from a platonic friend to a romantic partner, making them essential but tricky words for learners.

The distinction between 'friend' and 'boyfriend/girlfriend' often comes down to the article used. Using an indefinite article like un or une usually implies a platonic friend (e.g., c'est un copain – he's a friend). In contrast, using a possessive adjective like mon or ma almost always signifies a romantic relationship: mon copain means 'my boyfriend', and ma copine means 'my girlfriend'.

When used in the plural, les copains or des copains typically reverts to the meaning of 'friends,' 'pals,' or 'the guys.' For instance, saying "Je sors avec mes copains" means "I'm going out with my friends." The context makes it clear that it's a group of platonic friends.

💡 * C'est un bon copain, on se connaît depuis l'école. (He's a good friend, we've known each other since school.)

Elle va présenter son copain à sa famille ce week-end. (She is going to introduce her boyfriend to her family this weekend.)

Ma copine m'a offert un cadeau incroyable pour mon anniversaire. (My girlfriend gave me an incredible gift for my birthday.)

Samedi, je vois des copines en ville. (On Saturday, I'm seeing some (female) friends in town.)

The affectionate 'other half' – ma moitié

The affectionate 'other half' – ma moitié

Literally translating to 'my half,' ma moitié is a deeply affectionate French term for one's romantic partner. It's the direct equivalent of the English expressions 'my other half' or 'my better half.'

This term is used to refer to a spouse or a serious, long-term significant other. It carries a sincere, loving tone, implying a deep connection and the idea that the person completes you. It’s more profound than casual pet names.

The noun moitié is feminine, so the possessive adjective is always ma ('my'). This does not change based on the speaker's gender. Both a man and a woman would refer to their partner as ma moitié.

In summary, calling someone ma moitié is a beautiful way to express that they are an essential part of your life, your true partner.

💡 * Je vais au cinéma avec ma moitié ce soir. (I'm going to the movies with my other half tonight.)

Ma moitié m'a offert un cadeau incroyable pour mon anniversaire. (My better half gave me an incredible gift for my birthday.)

Tu es vraiment ma moitié, je ne peux pas imaginer ma vie sans toi. (You are truly my other half, I can't imagine my life without you.)

The business partner – un/une associé(e)

When discussing business ownership in French, the specific term for a partner who holds a share in the company is un/une associé(e). This title signifies a formal, legal relationship within a business structure.

Like many nouns for professions in French, associé(e) must agree with the gender of the person. Use un associé for a male partner and une associée for a female partner. The plural is des associés for a group of men or a mixed group, and des associées for a group of women.

This term is primarily used in legal and business contexts to denote co-ownership. It's more formal and specific than un partenaire (a partner), which can refer to a collaborator on a project without implying shared ownership. You'll find associé(e) in contracts and official company documents.

The related verb is s'associer (avec quelqu'un), which means 'to go into partnership (with someone)'. This verb is essential for describing the action of forming a business partnership.

💡 * Mon associé s'occupe du marketing. (My business partner handles the marketing.)

Je vais présenter ma nouvelle associée lors de la réunion. (I am going to introduce my new business partner (female) during the meeting.)

Ils se sont associés il y a cinq ans pour fonder leur cabinet. (They became partners five years ago to found their firm.)

Les deux associés ont signé le contrat hier. (The two partners signed the contract yesterday.)

The civil partner (PACS) – un/une partenaire de PACS

The term for a civil partner in France is un/une partenaire de PACS. This title refers to a specific legal status recognized in the country.

The Pacte civil de solidarité (PACS) is a legal civil union in France available to same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The individuals in this union are referred to as partenaires. The term emphasizes the contractual and egalitarian nature of the relationship.

The word partenaire itself is gender-neutral, but the article preceding it changes based on the partner's gender. Use un partenaire for a male partner and une partenaire for a female partner.

💡 * Je vis avec ma partenaire depuis cinq ans.

Mon partenaire de PACS est aussi mon meilleur ami.

Ils ont signé leur PACS à la mairie hier.

Voici Julie, ma partenaire.

The lover or 'partner in an affair' – un amant/une maîtresse

The lover or 'partner in an affair' – un amant / une maîtresse

The words un amant (for a man) and une maîtresse (for a woman) specifically refer to a lover, almost always in the context of an extramarital affair. Unlike the English word "lover," which can be more general, these French terms carry a strong connotation of secrecy and infidelity.

It is critical not to confuse un amant with un petit ami or un copain (boyfriend). Using amant or maîtresse to describe a regular romantic partner would be a significant social faux pas, as it implies the person is involved in an affair.

These terms are deeply embedded in French culture and are common tropes in literature and cinema, often driving plots that revolve around passion, betrayal, and love triangles. The concept is less taboo in French media than in many other cultures.

💡 * Elle a avoué à son mari qu'elle avait un amant. (She confessed to her husband that she had a lover.)

Le détective privé a été engagé pour suivre la maîtresse de l'homme d'affaires. (The private detective was hired to follow the businessman's mistress.)

Leur relation d'amant et maîtresse a duré plusieurs années avant d'être découverte. (Their relationship as lovers lasted for several years before being discovered.)

1. The Legal Cohabiting Partner: Un Concubin / Une Concubine

The terms un concubin (masculine) and une concubine (feminine) refer to a partner with whom one cohabits without being married. This isn't just a casual term; it describes a specific legal status in France known as concubinage, or a de facto union.

In France, concubinage is a legally recognized union for two people (of the same or different genders) who live together as a couple. It offers fewer rights and obligations than marriage or a civil partnership (PACS), but it is an official status that can be declared to a town hall to obtain a certificat de concubinage.

You will rarely hear concubin or concubine in everyday, informal conversation. It is primarily used in administrative, legal, or official contexts (e.g., on forms for taxes, social security, or rental agreements). In casual speech, French speakers are far more likely to use mon compagnon / ma compagne (my partner) or mon copain / ma copine (my boyfriend/girlfriend).

💡 * Pour la CAF, vous devez déclarer si vous êtes mariés, pacsés ou concubins. (For the CAF [Family Allowances Fund], you must declare if you are married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting.)

Elle vit avec son concubin depuis cinq ans. (She has been living with her partner for five years.)

Le certificat de concubinage prouve que nous habitons à la même adresse. (The certificate of cohabitation proves that we live at the same address.)

Mon concubin est mentionné sur le contrat de location. (My partner is mentioned on the rental contract.)

Are there other ways to say 'partner' in French?

Our guide covers the most common ways to say 'partner' in French, for romantic, business, and general contexts. But the French language is rich with nuance, and you'll find other terms, from formal legal vocabulary to modern slang, that describe specific types of partnership.

You can uncover more specific terms by searching for phrases like 'comment dire business partner en français' or exploring slang dictionaries for informal romantic terms. This can help you find the perfect word for your specific context.

Remember that context is critical. Using 'associé(e)' for a romantic partner would be strange, just as calling a business associate your 'conjoint(e)' would be incorrect. Always check a word’s definition and see it used in context before trying it yourself.

As you engage with French media, listen for how people describe their relationships. Watching French films and TV shows is a fantastic way to understand the subtle differences between terms like 'partenaire', 'compagnon', and 'copain'/'copine' in real-life situations.

If you want to explore the intricate meanings and connotations of different 'partner' words, the WordReference forums and the Larousse dictionary are excellent resources for seeing example sentences and discussions among native speakers.

I hope this article has been a helpful partner in your language-learning journey. Let's end with a fitting quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: 'Aimer, ce n’est pas se regarder l’un l’autre, c’est regarder ensemble dans la même direction.' (Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.)

'9 ways to say "partner" in French'