French for Beginners: Saying "I'm Single" or "I Have a Partner"
Learn to state your relationship status in French, ask others politely, and distinguish romantic relationships from friendships.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In this lesson, you will learn how to say whether you are single or have a partner in French, and how to ask someone else about their relationship status politely. French uses specific vocabulary for romantic relationships that is different from words for friendship. You will practice the key phrases, understand when to use them, and see a short conversation. The focus is on standard contemporary French, with notes on regional differences where relevant.
By the end, you can…
- say whether I am single or have a partner in French.
- ask someone politely about their relationship status.
- distinguish between romantic relationship words and friendship words in French.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je suis célibataire.
I'm single.
zhuh swee say-lee-bay-TEHR
Standard phrase for a person not in a romantic relationship. Used for all genders. In Quebec, you may also hear 'célibataire' but the pronunciation is similar.
J'ai un copain.
I have a boyfriend. (or: I have a partner, male)
zhay uhn koh-PAN
In France, 'copain' often means a romantic partner when used with a possessive like 'mon copain'. It can also mean a friend, but context makes it clear. For a female partner, say 'J'ai une copine' (zhay ewn koh-PEEN).
J'ai une petite amie.
I have a girlfriend.
zhay ewn puh-TEET ah-MEE
More explicit than 'copine' for a female romantic partner. Used in France and Quebec. 'Petite amie' is not used for a casual friend.
Tu es célibataire ?
Are you single?
tew ay say-lee-bay-TEHR
Informal question with 'tu'. Use with friends, peers, or people you know well. For formal situations, use 'Vous êtes célibataire ?' (voo zet say-lee-bah-TAIR).
Est-ce que tu as un copain ?
Do you have a boyfriend?
ess-kuh tew ah uhn koh-PAN
A polite way to ask. Replace 'un copain' with 'une copine' for a female partner. In Quebec, 'un chum' (uhn chum) is common informal for boyfriend, and 'une blonde' (ewn blohnd) for girlfriend.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To state your status, use 'Je suis' + adjective, or 'J'ai' + noun phrase. For example: 'Je suis célibataire' (I am single) and 'J'ai un copain' (I have a boyfriend). To ask about someone else, use 'Tu es' + adjective? or 'Est-ce que tu as' + noun? For example: 'Tu es célibataire ?' and 'Est-ce que tu as une copine ?' Note that French uses different words for romantic partners and friends: 'un copain' can mean a friend or a boyfriend depending on context, but 'un ami' (a friend, male) is usually just a friend. 'Un petit ami' is clearly romantic.
When to use it
Use these phrases in casual conversations when getting to know someone. It is common to ask 'Tu es célibataire ?' among young people, but it can be too direct in formal settings. For a more polite approach, say 'Est-ce que vous êtes célibataire ?' or 'Vous avez quelqu'un ?' (Do you have someone?). In Quebec, informal speech often uses 'chum' and 'blonde' instead of 'copain' and 'copine'. In Belgium and Switzerland, 'copain/copine' is also used, but 'petit ami/petite amie' is understood everywhere. Avoid assuming that 'copain' always means a romantic partner; listen for context like 'mon copain' (my boyfriend) versus 'un copain' (a friend).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Salut, ça va ? Tu es célibataire ?
Hi, how are you? Are you single?sah-LEW, sah vah? tew ay say-lee-bay-TEHR?Non, j'ai un copain. Et toi ?
No, I have a boyfriend. And you?nohn, zhay uhn koh-PAN. ay twah?Moi, je suis célibataire. C'est bien ?
Me, I'm single. Is it good?mwah, zhuh swee say-lee-bay-TEHR. say byan?Oui, très bien. On est heureux ensemble.
Yes, very good. We are happy together.wee, treh byan. ohn ay tuh-RUH ahn-SAHM-bluhA little context goes a long way
In France, asking 'Tu es célibataire ?' can be seen as flirting or intrusive if you do not know the person well. It is safer to wait for a natural moment or use a softer question like 'Tu as quelqu'un ?' (Do you have someone?). In Quebec, 'chum' and 'blonde' are very common in informal speech, but they are not used in formal writing. In all French-speaking regions, 'célibataire' is neutral and can be used for any gender. Avoid using 'ami' alone for a romantic partner; 'ami' usually means a friend. Use 'petit ami' or 'copain' with a possessive to be clear.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Je suis un copain' to mean 'I have a boyfriend.'
Try this instead: Say 'J'ai un copain' (I have a boyfriend). 'Je suis un copain' means 'I am a friend (male)' — it describes what you are, not that you have a partner. For example: 'J'ai un copain' = I have a boyfriend. 'Je suis un copain' = I am a (male) friend.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'I'm single' in French?
Show a sample answer
Je suis célibataire.
This is the standard phrase for any gender. 'Célibataire' is an adjective, so it agrees with the subject: 'Je suis célibataire' works for both male and female speakers. You could also say 'Je suis célibataire' in a formal or informal context.
2Ask a friend informally if they have a girlfriend.
Show a sample answer
Est-ce que tu as une copine ?
This uses 'tu' for informal address and 'une copine' for a female partner. In Quebec, you might say 'Est-ce que tu as une blonde ?' but 'copine' is understood everywhere. You could also ask 'Tu as une copine ?' without 'Est-ce que'.
3What is the difference between 'un ami' and 'un copain' in French?
Show a sample answer
'Un ami' usually means a friend, while 'un copain' can mean a friend or a boyfriend depending on context. With a possessive like 'mon copain', it usually means boyfriend.
'Ami' is generally a platonic friend, though it can be romantic in some contexts. 'Copain' is more ambiguous; 'mon copain' often means 'my boyfriend', but 'un copain' can just be 'a friend'. To be clear about a romantic partner, use 'petit ami' or 'copain' with a possessive.
Use 'Je suis célibataire' for single and 'J'ai un copain/une copine' for having a partner. Remember that 'copain' can mean friend or boyfriend, so context matters. Ask politely with 'Tu es célibataire ?' or 'Est-ce que tu as quelqu'un ?'
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s French into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr