ami

/ami/
nounBeginner
informal

A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically without romantic or familial connotations

Mon meilleur ami vit à Lyon.

My best friend lives in Lyon.

Nous sommes devenus amis à l'université.

We became friends at university.

💡

Used for both male and female friends in plural form 'amis'. For a female friend, 'amie' is used in singular.

Collocations

meilleur amibest friendun vieil amian old friendami procheclose friend

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

entre amisphrase
among friends, in a friendly, informal setting
c'est un ami à moiphrase
he's a friend of mine

💡Pro Tip

Gender Matters

Remember that 'ami' is masculine. For a female friend, always use 'amie'. The plural 'amis' is used for groups of men or mixed groups; 'amies' only for groups of women.

Gold Rule

Agreement in Gender

In French, 'ami' changes to 'amie' in the feminine singular, and 'amis' becomes 'amies' in the feminine plural. Always match the gender of the person you're referring to.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'ami', from Latin 'amicus', meaning 'friend'. Related to 'amare', 'to love'.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'ami' refers to a male friend. For a female friend, use 'amie'. In plural, 'amis' can refer to a mixed group of friends.

Word Breakdown

ami
friend
root
Noted on May 2, 2026FREN