achat
/a.ʃa/
The English word "buying" (as a noun) translates to French as achat.
achat refers to the act of making a purchase. It is a noun commonly used in commercial, legal or formal contexts, such as achat immobilier (real estate purchase).
Meaning: act of making a purchase (noun)
Which one should you use?
While achat is the noun for the act of buying or a purchase, the verb acheter (to buy) is used when you are describing the action itself within a sentence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the informal verb magasiner is used to mean "shopping".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of achat is achats.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /a.ʃa/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- If you are browsing a store without the intention of actually buying anything, you are simply faire du lèche-vitrine, which literally translates to 'window licking'.
- In French, the expression achat compulsif describes an impulse buy, but the phrase achat coup de tête literally translates to a 'stroke of the head' purchase.
- In many French-speaking regions, a 'bargain' or a very cheap purchase is often described as an affaire, meaning you have 'made a deal' or 'found an affair'.
Examples in context
- L'achat de copies pirates est illégal.Buying pirated copies is illegal.This sentence illustrates the use of achat regarding the legality of buying pirated copies.Tatoeba #10976075 by Aiji, translation #10360250 by AlanF_US
- Nous envisageons l'achat de nouveaux meubles.We are thinking of buying some new furniture.This sentence shows achat used when considering the purchase of furniture.Tatoeba #3243334 by Rovo, translation #262705 by CC
- Je suis intéressé par l'achat d'un de ceux-ci.I'm interested in buying one of those.This sentence demonstrates achat when expressing interest in buying an item.Tatoeba #8422022 by lbdx, translation #3819750 by CK
- Je vais acheter une nouvelle voiture demain.I am going to buy a new car tomorrow.
- Je dois effectuer un achat important pour mon entreprise.I need to make an important purchase for my business.
- Je vais me procurer les derniers albums de ce groupe.I'm going to get the latest albums of this band.
- On peut choper les places de concert à la billetterie.We can grab the concert tickets at the box office.
- J'aime faire mes emplettes au marché le samedi matin.I enjoy doing my shopping at the market on Saturday mornings.
- Je vais magasiner des vêtements pour l'hiver demain.I'm going shopping for winter clothes tomorrow.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing a new car.
- ChloéTu as réfléchi à l'achat de la voiture ?Have you thought about buying the car?
- NathanOui, mais c'est un achat important.Yes, but it is an important purchase.
- ChloéOn peut demander un prêt à la banque.We can ask the bank for a loan.
- NathanD'accord, préparons le dossier d'achat.Okay, let's prepare the purchase file.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry achat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
