comptage
/kɔ̃.taʒ/masculine
The English word 'counting' can be translated into French as comptage. Wiktionary also lists décompte.
Meaning: act of making a count (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| comptage | /kɔ̃.taʒ/ | masculine |
| décompte | /de.kɔ̃t/ | masculine |
In French, the term for the act of making a count is expressed through the noun comptage. This refers to the mechanical or systematic process of counting a quantity, such as counting votes or inventory.
Which one should you use?
While comptage refers to the general act of counting items, décompte is used for a countdown or a detailed itemized tally (like a breakdown of costs).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kɔ̃.taʒ/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The term comptoir (a counter in a bar or shop) etymologically relates to the idea of a place where transactions and 'comptages' occur.
- The verb form of comptage is compter, which is also used in the common idiom compter sur quelqu'un to mean 'relying on someone'.
- In French, if someone tells you je compte les jours, they are not just counting days but expressing a deep longing or anticipation for an event to arrive.
Examples in context
- Vous devez être précis dans votre comptage.You must be accurate in counting.This example shows how to express the need for precision during a comptage.Tatoeba #1685417 by gall, translation #238059 by Dejo
- Le comptage des billets est terminé.The counting of the banknotes is finished.
- Un comptage manuel est nécessaire ici.A manual counting is necessary here.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are organizing a large event.
- GabrielAs-tu fini le comptage des invités, Chloé ?Have you finished the counting of the guests, Chloé?
- ChloéPas encore, je vérifie la dernière liste.Not yet, I am checking the last list.
- GabrielC'est important pour commander le buffet.It is important for ordering the buffet.
- ChloéJe te donne le chiffre final dans dix minutes.I will give you the final number in ten minutes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “counting” translations and entries comptage, décompte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
