marié

The French word marié is an adjective that describes the marital status of a person. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'married' in English. Because French is a gendered language, this adjective must agree with the person it describes. A man is marié, while a woman is mariée. When referring to a couple or a group, you use the plural forms: mariés (masculine or mixed) or mariées (feminine). This word is ubiquitous in French life, appearing on everything from official government tax forms to casual conversations at a dinner party. It is derived from the verb marier (to marry) and functions as the past participle used as an adjective.

Grammatical Agreement

In French, adjectives change based on gender and number. For 'marié', you add an 'e' for feminine and an 's' for plural. This is a crucial distinction that English speakers often forget since 'married' never changes in English regardless of who is being discussed.

Beyond just a legal status, marié carries significant cultural weight in France. While the number of marriages has seen a decline in favor of the PACS (Pacte Civil de Solidarité), being marié still represents a formal commitment recognized by the State. You will use this word when identifying yourself to a 'notaire' (notary), when checking into a hotel that requires formal identification, or when introducing your spouse. It is important to note that when used as a noun, le marié refers to 'the groom' and la mariée refers to 'the bride' on their wedding day.

The Preposition 'À'

When you want to say you are married 'to' someone, you must use the preposition à. For example, 'Je suis marié à Marie' (I am married to Marie). Using 'avec' (with) is common in spoken French but is technically considered less formal or even incorrect in strict grammatical circles.

In social contexts, asking 'Êtes-vous marié ?' is a standard way to inquire about someone's status, though in modern France, people might also ask if someone is 'en couple' (in a relationship) to be more inclusive of non-married partnerships. However, in any administrative setting—opening a bank account, applying for a visa, or filing taxes—the term marié is the specific legal designation you will encounter. It distinguishes a person from those who are célibataire (single), divorcé (divorced), or veuf/veuve (widowed).

Social Register

The word is neutral in register. It is neither slang nor overly academic. It is the standard term used by everyone from children to the elderly to describe the state of matrimony.

Historically, the term has evolved from the Latin 'maritatus'. In the Middle Ages, the concept of being marié was as much about property and alliance as it was about personal union. Today, while the legalities remain, the word primarily evokes the personal bond between two people. When you see marié on a form, it is often paired with 'État civil' (Civil status). Understanding this word is one of the first steps for any A1 learner because it is a fundamental part of personal identity and introducing oneself or one's family members.

Using the word marié correctly requires a basic understanding of the French verb être (to be). In almost all descriptive cases, you will use the structure [Subject] + [être] + [marié/e/s/es]. For example, 'Nous sommes mariés' (We are married). This sounds simple, but the complexity arises when you need to specify whom someone is married to or how long they have been in that state. Unlike English, which uses 'for' to describe duration ('married for five years'), French often uses depuis ('marié depuis cinq ans'). This is a common pitfall for English speakers who might try to use 'pour', which would be incorrect in this context.

Agreement Rules

1. Masculine Singular: marié (Il est marié). 2. Feminine Singular: mariée (Elle est mariée). 3. Masculine Plural: mariés (Ils sont mariés). 4. Feminine Plural: mariées (Elles sont mariées). Remember that if a group has even one male, the masculine plural 'mariés' is used.

Another important aspect is the difference between the adjective marié and the verb se marier (to get married). While 'marié' describes a state, 'se marier' describes the action or the event. If you want to say 'They are getting married tomorrow', you would say 'Ils se marient demain'. If you want to say 'They are married', you say 'Ils sont mariés'. Confusing these two is a very common beginner error. Think of marié as the result of the action se marier. Furthermore, when used as a noun, 'le marié' and 'la mariée' refer specifically to the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony itself. You wouldn't call someone 'ma mariée' to mean 'my wife'; you would use 'ma femme' or 'mon épouse'.

Negative Sentences

To say someone is not married, use the standard 'ne... pas' around the verb 'être'. Example: 'Je ne suis pas marié'. Note that the adjective 'marié' stays the same; only the verb and negation change.

In more advanced usage, marié can be used figuratively, though this is less common at the A1 level. For example, one might say two ideas are 'mariées' (joined/wedded) in a philosophical sense. However, for a learner, the focus should remain on personal status. You will often see this word in questions: 'Depuis quand êtes-vous mariés ?' (How long have you been married?). Notice how the plural 'mariés' is used here because 'vous' refers to a couple. If you were asking a single person 'Are you married?', you would say 'Êtes-vous marié ?' (masculine) or 'Êtes-vous mariée ?' (feminine). The flexibility of 'vous' (singular formal or plural) means you must be attentive to who you are addressing to ensure the adjective 'marié' agrees correctly.

Common Collocations

'Heureusement marié' (happily married), 'nouvellement marié' (newly married), and 'marié civilement' (civilly married) are common phrases that expand the basic meaning.

Finally, consider the word in the context of family descriptions. When describing your family tree, you might say, 'Mon oncle est marié, mais ma tante est divorcée.' This contrast helps solidify the meaning of the word. In French culture, mentioning marital status is quite standard in introductions, especially in more traditional or formal settings. Practice saying 'Je suis marié(e)' until it becomes second nature, as it is a core piece of personal information you will share frequently in your French-speaking journey.

If you spend any time in a French-speaking country, you will encounter the word marié in a variety of settings. The most common is the 'Mairie' (Town Hall). In France, all legal marriages must take place at the Mairie before any religious ceremony. Consequently, you will often see signs or hear people talking about 'les mariés' (the couple getting married) walking up the steps of the local town hall. In this context, the word takes on a festive, public meaning. You'll hear guests shouting, 'Vive les mariés !' (Long live the newlyweds!), a phrase so common it has become a cliché of French weddings. This is one of the few times you will hear the word used as a noun in the plural to represent the couple as the center of attention.

Administrative Forms

When filling out a 'formulaire' (form) for a bank, a phone contract, or a medical appointment, you will see a section for 'Situation familiale'. The options will almost always include 'Marié(e)', 'Célibataire', 'Divorcé(e)', and 'Veuf/Veuve'. This is where you will see the word in its most functional, legalistic form.

In everyday conversation, the word is used to clarify relationships. French people are often curious about family structures. You might hear someone ask, 'Il est marié, ton cousin ?' (Is your cousin married?). Or in a workplace setting, a colleague might mention, 'Mon mari est aussi dans l'informatique' (My husband is also in IT), which implies the speaker is mariée. Interestingly, while the word marié is formal, the way it's used in speech is very natural. You won't sound 'stiff' using it; it's simply the correct way to describe the state. You will also hear it in the news or in movies when discussing celebrities: 'L'acteur est marié depuis hier' (The actor has been married since yesterday).

Social Gatherings

At a party, if someone is flirting or showing interest, a friend might lean in and whisper, 'Attention, il est marié !' (Watch out, he's married!). Here, the word serves as a boundary or a warning, showing its social function beyond just a legal status.

Another place you will hear this word is in literature and music. French culture has a long history of exploring the themes of marriage, from the comedies of Molière to modern pop songs. In these contexts, marié often carries connotations of stability, boredom, or deep romantic commitment, depending on the genre. In a song, a singer might lament being 'marié à la solitude' (married to solitude), using the word metaphorically to describe an unbreakable bond with a feeling or a state of being. This shows that even at an A1 level, the word you are learning has deep roots in the expressive capabilities of the language.

The 'PACS' Alternative

In modern France, many couples are 'pacsés' instead of 'mariés'. You will often hear these two terms compared. While 'marié' is the traditional term, 'pacsé' is the modern civil union equivalent. Knowing 'marié' helps you understand this cultural landscape.

Finally, you will hear marié in religious contexts. If you attend a French wedding ceremony in a church, the priest will use the word frequently. He might say, 'Je vous déclare mariés' (I declare you married). This religious usage is identical in form to the secular usage, highlighting how the word bridges the gap between different parts of French life. Whether you are at a noisy wedding party, a quiet government office, or just chatting with a new neighbor, marié is a word that will help you navigate the social fabric of the French-speaking world with confidence and accuracy.

Learning marié seems straightforward, but English speakers frequently stumble on several specific points. The most prevalent error is the lack of gender agreement. In English, 'married' is static. In French, if you are a woman writing about yourself, you must add the 'e': 'Je suis mariée'. Leaving it off is a sign of a beginner. Similarly, if you are talking about a group of women, it's 'mariées'. This 'silent' agreement (since 'marié' and 'mariée' sound the same) is one of the biggest hurdles in French writing for English natives. You must train your brain to see the gender of the subject and apply it to the adjective automatically.

Confusion with the Verb

Many students confuse 'être marié' (to be married) with 'se marier' (to get married). They might say 'Je suis marié demain' when they mean 'Je me marie demain'. 'Marié' is a state; 'se marier' is the action. Think of 'marié' as the 'after' photo of the wedding.

Another common mistake involves prepositions. In English, we say 'married to'. A direct translation would be 'marié à'. While this is correct and preferred in formal French, many learners (and even some native speakers in casual speech) use 'marié avec'. While 'avec' is often understood and used colloquially, if you are taking an exam like the DELF, 'marié à' is the safer and more 'correct' choice. Avoid saying 'marié pour' when you mean 'married for [duration]'; always use depuis. 'Je suis marié depuis cinq ans' is correct; 'Je suis marié pour cinq ans' sounds like you have a contract that expires in five years!

Noun vs. Adjective

Do not confuse 'mon mari' (my husband) with 'mon marié'. 'Mon marié' would mean 'my groom' (specifically on the wedding day). If you want to say 'my married friend', you would say 'mon ami marié'. The word 'marié' only acts as a noun in the specific context of a wedding ceremony.

Learners also sometimes confuse marié with marré (bored/fed up, slang). While they look somewhat similar, the pronunciation and meaning are worlds apart. Being 'marié' is a legal status; being 'marré' (as in 'j'en ai marre') is an emotion. Be careful with your vowels! Additionally, some students try to use 'marié' as a verb in the present tense, saying things like 'Je marié Marie'. This is completely wrong. You must use the verb épouser (to marry someone) or se marier avec. 'Marié' is strictly for describing the state of having already been married.

Plural Mixed Groups

If you are talking about a husband and wife, use 'ils sont mariés' (masculine plural). Even if there are 99 women and 1 man, the rule in traditional French grammar is that the masculine takes precedence. Don't use 'mariées' unless the group is 100% female.

Lastly, avoid using marié when you mean 'engaged'. The word for engaged is fiancé. If you say you are 'marié', people will expect to see a wedding ring and legal documents. In French culture, these distinctions are quite clear. By paying attention to these common pitfalls—agreement, prepositions, and distinguishing between action and state—you will use 'marié' with the precision of a native speaker and avoid the most common 'Anglicisms' that plague French learners.

While marié is the standard term, French offers several synonyms and related words that can add nuance to your speech. Depending on the level of formality or the specific legal context, you might choose a different word. For instance, in very formal or legal documents, you will often see the words époux (husband/spouse) or épouse (wife/spouse). While 'marié' describes the status, 'époux' describes the person in relation to their partner. Another common term is conjoint (m.) or conjointe (f.), which is the equivalent of 'spouse' or 'partner' in a legal or administrative sense. You will hear this constantly in tax discussions or insurance policies.

Marié vs. Pacsé

'Marié' refers to a traditional marriage. 'Pacsé' refers to a person in a PACS (civil union). In modern France, being 'pacsé' is extremely common and carries many of the same rights as being 'marié', but the words are not interchangeable.

If you are looking for a more casual way to describe a couple who lives together but may or may not be married, you can use en couple (in a relationship) or en concubinage (living together/common-law). 'En couple' is very common among younger generations and is much less formal than saying someone is 'marié'. If you want to describe the action of being joined, you might use the verb uni (united), as in 'ils sont unis par les liens du mariage' (they are united by the bonds of marriage), though this is quite poetic and formal. Another related term is casé, which is slang for 'settled down' or 'hitched'. You might say, 'Il est enfin casé !' (He's finally settled down!).

Synonyms for 'Marié'

• Épousé: (Rarely used as an adjective, mostly the past participle of épouser).
• Allié: (Used in historical or noble contexts to mean allied by marriage).
• Matrimonial: (Adjective relating to marriage, e.g., 'le régime matrimonial').

On the opposite side, you have the antonyms. The most direct antonym is célibataire (single). This is the word you use if you are not married, not pacsé, and not in a committed relationship. Other antonyms include divorcé (divorced) and veuf/veuve (widowed). In some contexts, libre (free) is used colloquially to mean 'unattached' or 'available'. For example, 'Est-ce qu'il est libre ?' can mean 'Is he single?'. Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise. If you are filling out a form and you are not married, you don't just say 'not marié', you use the specific term célibataire.

Register Comparison

Marié:

Neutral/Standard

Époux:

Formal/Legal

Casé:

Informal/Slang

En couple:

Casual/Social

In summary, while marié is your 'workhorse' word for marriage, knowing époux, conjoint, and pacsé will help you navigate the nuances of French life. Whether you are reading a classic novel where 'l'époux' is waiting for his 'épouse', or you are filling out a modern tax form asking for your 'conjoint', you now have the vocabulary to understand the full spectrum of committed relationships in the French language. Practice using these different words in their appropriate contexts to elevate your French from basic to sophisticated.