corruption
/kɔ.ʁyp.sjɔ̃/
Bribery in French is corruption.
corruption is used to refer to the act of giving, offering or accepting bribes.
Meaning: giving, offering or accepting bribes (noun)
Which one should you use?
While corruption refers to the abstract concept of bribery or systemic dishonesty, pot-de-vin is the specific term for the actual bribe (the money or gift) given to a person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form of the noun corruption is corrompre, which means 'to bribe' or 'to corrupt'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /kɔ.ʁyp.sjɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- In certain informal contexts, the expression graisser la patte is used to mean bribing someone, which literally translates to 'greasing the paw'.
- The common term for a bribe, pot-de-vin, literally translates to 'pot of wine'. It evokes the old custom of providing a small gift or a drink to influence someone's favor.
- In French legal terminology, bribery is divided into corruption active for the person offering the bribe and corruption passive for the person receiving it.
Examples in context
- Il méprisait la corruption.He disdained bribery.This sentence shows how to express disdain for corruption.Tatoeba #132847 by nimfeo, translation #300916 by shekitten
- Ils ont essayé de soudoyer le juge pour obtenir une décision favorable.They tried to bribe the judge to get a favorable decision.
- La subornation est un délit grave puni par la loi.Bribery is a serious offense punishable by law.
- La corruption est un crime grave.Bribery is a serious crime.
- Il a été arrêté pour corruption.He was arrested for bribery.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a news report in an office.
- ManonTu as vu l'article sur la corruption ?Did you see the article about bribery?
- GabrielOui, c'est vraiment choquant.Yes, it is truly shocking.
- ManonCet homme a tout perdu.That man lost everything.
- GabrielC'est la conséquence de ses actes.It is the consequence of his actions.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry corruption, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
