distributeur automatique
The English phrase 'atm machine' is translated into French as distributeur automatique.
This phrase refers to a machine that allows people to withdraw cash from their bank account. While distributeur automatique is a common way to refer to it, you will frequently hear the full phrase distributeur automatique de billets used to specifically denote a cash machine. In spoken and written French, the acronym DAB is also very common. Other related terms include Guichet automatique (automated teller), Carte bancaire (bank card) and Code PIN (PIN code).
What does it mean word for word?
The term distributeur automatique literally translates to 'automatic dispenser'.
Which one should you use?
In casual conversation, French speakers often shorten the term by dropping the word 'automatique' and simply saying un distributeur. The acronym DAB is a frequent shorthand for the full phrase distributeur automatique de billets.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may try to shorten the term, but in French, it is standard to use the full phrase distributeur automatique de billets or the abbreviation DAB to specify a cash machine.
Did you know?
- Using distributeur automatique without the word billets can technically refer to a vending machine for soda or snacks.
- While DAB specifically refers to a machine that dispenses cash, GAB describes a more versatile machine capable of handling deposits and account queries.
- The word distributeur is used for a wide variety of machines, including a distributeur de café for coffee and a distributeur de savon for soap.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, mais pourriez-vous me dire où je peux trouver un distributeur automatique de billets?Excuse me, but could you tell me where I can find an ATM machine?
- Hey, tu sais où je peux trouver un distributeur automatique de billets?Hey, do you know where I can find an ATM machine?
- Bonjour, excusez-moi de vous déranger, mais pourriez-vous me dire où je peux trouver un distributeur automatique de billets?Good day, excuse me for bothering you, but could you tell me where I can find an ATM machine?
- Excusez-moi, vous savez si ce magasin a un guichet automatique où je peux retirer de l'argent avec ma carte bancaire?Excuse me, do you know if this store has an ATM where I can withdraw money with my bank card?
- Où est le distributeur automatique le plus proche ?Where is the nearest atm machine?
- Le distributeur automatique est en panne.The atm machine is out of order.
- Je dois chercher de l'argent au distributeur automatique.I need to get some cash from the atm machine.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are walking in the city center.
- ChloéLucas, est-ce que tu as du liquide ?Lucas, do you have any cash?
- LucasNon, je n'ai plus rien sur moi.No, I don't have anything on me.
- ChloéIl y a un distributeur automatique juste là-bas.There is an atm machine right over there.
- LucasParfait, je vais y aller tout de suite.Perfect, I'll go there right now.
