French word

copain

Pronunciation

IPA/kopɛ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfriend

Example

J'ai beaucoup de copains.

I have a lot of friends.

Illustration for copain (friend)

More examples

Mon copain m'a aidé quand j'étais malade.

My friend helped me when I was sick.

Core concept

A male companion linked by shared time, friendship, or romance.

Common phrases

  • se faire des copains

    make friends

  • un bon copain

    a good friend

  • mes copains d'enfance

    my childhood friends

Similar words

ami: A close friend bound by deep trust and affection.
pote: A casual term for a friend or easygoing companion.
copine: A close female friend.
petit ami: A male romantic partner or boyfriend.

Definition in French

Désigne un ami ou un camarade ; l'usage peut désigner un compagnon d'activités ou, par extension, un petit ami.

Word origin

Copain is an inherited form from Old French compain, ultimately based on Latin companionem, whose elements express being together and sharing bread.

Usage tips

  • For an unambiguous romantic meaning, petit ami is clearer than copain, since copain can also describe an ordinary male friend.

Other meanings

  • boyfriendnoun
  • companionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • copinefemale friendnoun

Word lists with this word