clôturer
The English phrase "close out" is translated into French as clôturer.
The verb clôturer is used in formal or administrative contexts to mean closing out or finalizing something like a bank account, a fiscal year or a formal debate.
Which one should you use?
While fermer is the general verb for "to close" (like a door or a shop), clôturer specifically implies the formal conclusion or finalization of a process or period.
Did you know?
- Strict prescriptivists in France historically argued that clôturer should only be used for fences and that clore should be used for accounts. However, clôturer has now become the standard term in professional and banking contexts.
- The verb clôturer shares its root with the word clôture, which refers to a physical fence or enclosure. To 'close out' a process is, etymologically, to build a fence around it to keep nothing more from entering.
- In a parliamentary setting, the clôture is a specific procedure used to end a debate and force an immediate vote. This is similar to the 'previous question' motion in some English-speaking legislatures.
Examples in context
- Nous devons clôturer les comptes à la fin du mois.We need to close out the accounts by the end of the month.
- Le projet doit être terminé avant la date limite.The project needs to be closed out before the deadline.
- On finit ce chapitre et on passe au suivant.Let's close out this chapter and move on to the next one.
- Bouclons cette affaire rapidement, d'accord?Let's close out this matter quickly, okay?
- Nous devons clôturer le dossier avant la réunion.We need to close out the file before the meeting.
- Il est essentiel de clôturer cette transaction rapidement.It is crucial to close out this transaction quickly.
- Boucle le chapitre en beauté et passe à la suite.Close out this chapter in style and move on to the next one.
- clôturer un compteto close out an account
- Il faut clôturer le compte bancaire.The bank account must be closed out.
- Nous allons clôturer la session bientôt.We are going to close out the session soon.
- Peux-tu clôturer ce dossier pour moi ?Can you close out this file for me?
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are finishing a work project.
- LucasManon, peux-tu clôturer le projet ?Manon, can you close out the project?
- ManonOui, je m'en occupe tout de suite.Yes, I'll take care of it right away.
- LucasMerci, c'est la dernière étape.Thanks, it's the last step.
- ManonC'est fait, tout est terminé.It's done, everything is finished.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clôturer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
