découvert bancaire
The English phrase "bank overdraft" is translated into French as découvert bancaire.
The term refers to a situation where a customer withdraws more money from their bank account than the available balance. If you want to say that an account is currently in overdraft, you should use the verbal phrase être à découvert.
What does it mean word for word?
The word découvert literally means "uncovered" or "exposed", which refers to the account being exposed beyond its zero balance.
Which one should you use?
While découvert bancaire is the full term, you may often hear speakers simply say un découvert in casual conversation, omitting the adjective bancaire.
Did you know?
- If a French person says they are 'dans le rouge', they are describing the same situation as having a découvert, using the color red to represent a negative balance.
- The word découvert is also used in French to describe a sudden opening in the clouds that allows the sun to shine through.
- While être à découvert describes the state of the account, the act of going into overdraft is often called tirer sur le découvert, which literally means 'pulling' on the overdraft.
Examples in context
- Ma demande de découvert bancaire a été acceptée par la banque.My request for a bank overdraft has been accepted by the bank.
- Mon compte est à découvert depuis quelques jours.My account has been overdrawn for a few days.
- J'ai dépassé mon autorisation de découvert de 100 euros.I have exceeded my authorized overdraft limit of 100 euros.
- Mon compte est à découvert.My account is in overdraft.
- Je dois payer un découvert bancaire.I have to pay a bank overdraft.
- Le découvert bancaire coûte très cher.A bank overdraft is very expensive.
- Son découvert bancaire est assez important.His bank overdraft is quite large.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing their monthly finances in a cafe.
- ChloéHugo, as-tu un découvert bancaire ce mois-ci ?Hugo, do you have a bank overdraft this month?
- HugoOui, malheureusement, j'ai un petit découvert bancaire.Yes, unfortunately, I have a small bank overdraft.
- ChloéTu devrais faire attention à ton budget.You should be careful with your budget.
- HugoTu as raison, je vais faire attention.You are right, I will be careful.
