What’s the difference between madame and mademoiselle?

Madame is the standard way to address an adult woman in French, no matter her marital status. Mademoiselle once meant “Miss,” but today it’s mostly used for very young girls or playfully.

Is mademoiselle still used in France?

It’s rare. Since 2012, official forms no longer include mademoiselle. Most people use madame for all adult women, though some older speakers still say mademoiselle out of habit.

Can I use mademoiselle for a young woman?

It’s better to avoid it with adults — it can sound old-fashioned or sexist. For girls or teenagers, jeune fille or mademoiselle is acceptable.

How should I address a waitress or shop assistant?

Use madame for women and monsieur for men. Some waiters still hear mademoiselle, but madame is safer.

Is there a male equivalent of mademoiselle?

No — men are simply called monsieur, regardless of age or marital status.

What’s a polite greeting using these titles?

Common phrases include Bonjour, madame ! or Bonjour, monsieur ! and Merci, madame / monsieur for thanks.

Madame or Mademoiselle? How to Choose the Right French Title

Level: A1–A2 (Beginner)

🎧 Audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a native speaker & professional voice artist from France

Today’s French Words of the Day are madame and mademoiselle — “Ma’am / Mrs.” and “Miss.” Choosing correctly is key to good etiquette in France. This lesson explains the history and nuances so you’ll know exactly which to use.

✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Explanation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
✅ Related lessons

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French Word of the Day – Madame or Mademoiselle – Ma'am vs Miss

📘 Madame and mademoiselle meaning

Madame is the standard way to address an adult woman in French, similar to “Ma’am” or “Mrs.” in English.

Mademoiselle once meant “Miss,” traditionally used for young or unmarried women. Today, it’s largely outdated — even viewed as sexist — and is rare outside playful remarks or when speaking to very young girls.

📜 Madame or Mademoiselle? — Cultural and Historical Nuances

For centuries, French etiquette linked a woman’s title to her marital status: madame for married women, mademoiselle for those unmarried.

By the late 20th century, many considered mademoiselle discriminatory. In 2012, the French government removed it from administrative forms, promoting madame as the default for adult women.

Nowadays, most speakers — especially younger ones — choose madame regardless of age or marital status. Older people may still use mademoiselle out of habit, and you might hear it jokingly or as a compliment in casual settings.

The clear exception is with very young girls, where mademoiselle (or jeune fille, “young girl”) remains appropriate and polite.

🎧 Madame and mademoiselle pronunciation

Madame — /ma.dam/ — “mah-dahm” (final e is very light).
Mademoiselle — /mad.mwa.zɛl/ — “mad-mwah-zel.”

📝 French and English examples

Madame vs Mademoiselle – “Madam” and “Miss”

Bonjour, madame ! Comment allez-vous ?
Hello, ma’am! How are you?

Madame Dupont est notre professeure.
Mrs. Dupont is our teacher.

Mademoiselle, votre table est prête.
Miss, your table is ready.

Elle n’est plus mademoiselle, elle est madame.
She’s no longer “mademoiselle,” she’s “madame.“

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monsieur — sir; male equivalent
messieurs-dames — ladies & gentlemen
jeune fille — young girl
fillette — little girl
madame la présidente — female official title
Mesdames, Messieurs… — speech opening
Mademoiselle d’honneur — bridesmaid

Now that you’ve mastered madame and mademoiselle, take a look at my lesson on garçon (boy, or male waiter) — a word that can also spark debate because of its outdated usages.
👉 Master garçon »

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David Issokson is the founder of FrenchLearner.com, where he’s been helping students master French through vocabulary, grammar, and cultural lessons since 2012.

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