beaucoup d'argent
The English phrase "a lot of money" is translated into French as beaucoup d'argent.
The phrase is used to describe a large amount of money.
Which one should you use?
While beaucoup d'argent is a neutral way to say a large amount, you might use trop d'argent if you want to imply that there is too much money or that the amount is excessive and problematic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word beaucoup is followed by de (which contracts to d' before a vowel) regardless of whether the noun is singular or plural.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying beaucoup de l'argent. English speakers often make this mistake, but in French, the partitive article is dropped after beaucoup de, so you should say beaucoup d'argent instead.
Did you know?
- The word beaucoup originates from the Old French phrase biau cop, meaning a 'beautiful strike' or 'nice hit'.
- In casual conversation, you can replace beaucoup d'argent with de l'oseille, which literally translates to 'sorrel', a type of green herb.
- To describe someone who has beaucoup d'argent in a mocking or envious way, the French use the phrase être blindé, meaning 'to be armored'.
Examples in context
- Tom a beaucoup d'argent.Tom's got a lot of money.This sentence uses beaucoup d'argent to show that Tom possesses a lot of money.Tatoeba #5284796 by martin9, translation #13472603 by rul
- Il y a beaucoup d'argent.There is a lot of money.This sentence uses beaucoup d'argent to state that there is a large amount of money present.Tatoeba #180647 by sacredceltic, translation #18597 by Swift
- Il fit beaucoup d'argent.He made a lot of money.This sentence uses beaucoup d'argent to describe the act of making a large amount of money.Tatoeba #1891833 by sacredceltic, translation #1890821 by Spamster
- Il a beaucoup d'argent investi dans cette affaire.He has a lot of money invested in this business.
- On va se faire une tonne de pognon avec cette nouvelle idée.We're going to make a ton of money with this new idea.
- Il a hérité d'une belle petite fortune de sa grand-mère.He inherited a nice little fortune from his grandmother.
- 179 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing a new luxury car.
- LucasCette voiture coûte beaucoup d'argent.This car costs a lot of money.
- LéaOui, c'est beaucoup trop cher.Yes, it is much too expensive.
- LucasTu penses qu'il a beaucoup d'argent ?Do you think he has a lot of money?
- LéaJe pense que oui, Lucas.I think so, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beaucoup, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
