GAB
/ɡab/masculine
In French, the English phrase 'atm' is GAB. Wiktionary also lists DAB and bancomat.
Meaning: (banking) automated teller machine (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| GAB | /ɡab/ | masculine |
| DAB | /dab/ | masculine |
| bancomat | /bɑ̃.kɔ.mat/ | masculine |
These terms are used in banking to refer to an automated teller machine. When using one, the standard verb phrase to use is retirer de l'argent (to withdraw money).
Which one should you use?
DAB is the standard term used by the general public for a machine that dispenses cash, while GAB is a more technical or formal term often used in banking contexts. The phrase distributeur de billets is also used to refer to an ATM.
Is it said differently in some regions?
While DAB and GAB are typical in France, the term bancomat is used in certain French-speaking regions such as Belgium or Switzerland.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms, GAB, DAB and bancomat, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡab/
Did you know?
- The term bancomat used in Belgium and Switzerland is actually a shortened form of the German word Bankautomat.
- The word guichet in GAB originally referred to a small window or teller's booth in a bank or post office.
- In France, a GAB is technically a more sophisticated machine than a DAB because it can also process checks or print documents.
Examples in context
- Je cherche un DAB.I'm looking for an ATM.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are looking for a DAB.Tatoeba #7458834 by Micsmithel, translation #7446663 by Luiaard
- Où y a-t-il un DAB ?Where's an ATM?This sentence is useful for asking where a DAB is located.Tatoeba #6469510 by sacredceltic, translation #4059007 by CK
- Gabriel est allé à un distributeur de billets et a retiré l'argent.Gabriel went to an ATM and withdrew the money.This sentence shows the use of the phrase distributeur de billets in a sentence regarding a GAB.Tatoeba #11757051 by Amastan, translation #11754822 by Amastan
- Où puis-je trouver un distributeur de billets ?Where can I find an ATM?
- Je vais retirer de l'argent au GAB.I'm going to withdraw money from the ATM.
- Il y a un DAB à côté de la boulangerie.There's an ATM next to the bakery.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are walking in the city center.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'il y a un GAB près d'ici ?Is there an ATM near here?
- ChloéOui, il y a un GAB juste au coin de la rue.Yes, there is an ATM right at the corner of the street.
- GabrielParfait, j'ai besoin de retirer un peu d'argent.Perfect, I need to withdraw some money.
- ChloéDépêche-toi, Gabriel, nous allons être en retard.Hurry up, Gabriel, we are going to be late.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “atm” translations and entries GAB, DAB, bancomat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bancomat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
