One of the simple but gentle phrases that have come into modern Russian colloquial language is “monami”, along with “cherchet la femme” and “se la vie”. Does everyone know what this phrase is really about and how it changes depending on the context? This article will explain in detail all the nuances of using this common French phrase, which has been used by many people for more than one century.
What does this word mean?
The meaning of the word "monami" is actually interpreted very simply for those who know French. It was from this many-sided language that a lot of gallicisms came out, which are quite often used in Russian speech in their native form. So, "monami" is a fusion of two French words: "mo" - mine and "ami" means "friend." The letter “H” in the middle is voiced for ease of pronunciation and smoother, flowing speech, which is what the French language is famous for, as they say in Russian: to connect words. In fact, it turns out that “monami” is two, and not one, word for “my friend.” As it turned out, everything is very simple, if you figure it out.
How do you spell this phrase?
The phrase "monami" is actually mon ami, that is, two words, when pronouncedcombined into one for euphony by the letter "H", which is not actually pronounced if it is followed by a consonant. Perhaps that is why there was some confusion during transcription in Russian letters: many began to write this phrase in one word.
Therefore, the Russian spelling "monami" as one word is fundamentally wrong and only those who are completely unfamiliar with the French language and its pronunciation features write this way.
Similar phrases in French
Also, the meaning of the word "monami" may vary slightly depending on the general context or the number of people being referred to, for example:
- Female friend (girlfriend). The phrase will sound the same, but the spelling will change: mon amie.
- Mes amis. This is an option for designating a group of friends of several people, meaning: my friends. Pronounced "mesami".
- Ma petite amie. This is usually called not just a friend, but a beloved: “ma petit ami” - my little friend.
- Women say "mon petit ami" when referring to their boyfriend, which sounds like "mon petit ami".
In special cases, you can use the phrase "mon chéri" - my dear. It is worth noting that the word “dear” in relation to a person should not be said to just anyone, the French are very scrupulous and reverent about this, unlike the Russians, for whom the phrase: “my dear or dear” is considered something completely banal and ordinary without deeply personalsubtext.
