virement bancaire
In French, 'bank wire transfer' is virement bancaire.
The phrase refers to an electronic transfer of money from one bank account to another. While the term virement is the standard way to describe a bank transfer, transfert is often used for moving files or data and is less common for moving money between accounts.
Which one should you use?
In the European Union, a common type of bank wire transfer is often referred to specifically as a virement SEPA.
Did you know?
- The word virement can be used in a non-financial context to describe a sudden change in a conversation or a 'turn' in a plot, such as un virement brusque.
- While English speakers often use 'wire' to describe any electronic transfer, using the word 'fil' (wire) in French for a bank transfer would sound quite strange to a native speaker.
- The word virement comes from the verb virer, which also means 'to turn' or 'to pivot' in a physical sense. It captures the idea of the money 'turning' from one direction to another.
Examples in context
- J'ai effectué un virement bancaire pour payer mes factures.I made a bank wire transfer to pay my bills.
- Mon ami m'a envoyé un virement interbancaire depuis sa banque.My friend sent me a bank wire transfer from his bank.
- Est-ce que je peux te faire un transfert par virement pour te rembourser?Can I make a bank wire transfer to reimburse you?
- Je voudrais effectuer un virement bancaire.I would like to make a bank wire transfer.
- Je préfère faire un virement bancaire.I prefer to make a bank wire transfer.
- Le virement bancaire sera effectué demain.The bank wire transfer will be made tomorrow.
- Avez-vous reçu le virement bancaire ?Did you receive the bank wire transfer?
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are discussing how to pay for a used table.
- LucasComment veux-tu être payée, Chloé ?How do you want to be paid, Chloé?
- ChloéUn virement bancaire serait parfait.A bank wire transfer would be perfect.
- LucasD'accord, envoie-moi tes coordonnées.Okay, send me your details.
- ChloéJe t'envoie ça tout de suite, Lucas.I'll send that to you right away, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bancaire, virement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
