Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| devise | /də.viz/ | feminine |
| monnaie | /mɔ.nɛ/ | feminine |
In French, the word used for currency depends on whether you are discussing international exchange or a national monetary system. Devise is used to describe currency as a unit of exchange, particularly in the context of foreign exchange or forex. Monnaie is used to refer to the general concept of money, a national currency or the monetary system of a country.
Which one should you use?
Devise is the specific term for a currency used in international exchange. In contrast, monnaie refers to the broader medium of exchange or the monetary system of a nation. For example, if you are talking about foreign exchange rates, you would use devise.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both devise and monnaie are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/də.viz/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use monnaie to mean 'a currency' in a foreign exchange (forex) context. When discussing international exchange or specific foreign currencies, you should use devise instead.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of monnaie, moneta, comes from the name of the temple of Juno Moneta in Rome, where coins were minted.
- The word devise also means 'motto' in French, such as the national motto Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.
- The term devise in a financial sense is actually a loanword from the German word 'Devise'.
Examples in context
- Où puis-je changer des devises étrangères ?Where can I exchange foreign currency?This sentence shows how to ask about exchanging the form devise.Tatoeba #2281942 by sacredceltic, translation #2270175 by _undertoad
- Le cours des devises étrangères change quotidiennement.The exchange rates for foreign currency change daily.This sentence shows how to discuss exchange rates for the form devise.Tatoeba #457493 by sacredceltic, translation #21981 by Swift
- Les autorités s'efforcent en vain de stabiliser la monnaie.The authorities are striving in vain to stabilize the currency.This sentence shows how to talk about stabilizing the form monnaie.Tatoeba #11239673 by lbdx, translation #279893 by CM
- La monnaie utilisée en France est l'euro.The currency used in France is the euro.
- Les pièces monétaires françaises ont des designs uniques.French monetary coins have unique designs.
- J'ai un peu de fric sur moi si on en a besoin.I have some cash on me if we need it.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are planning a trip to Japan.
- EmmaQuelle est la devise locale au Japon ?What is the local currency in Japan?
- NathanC'est le yen, Emma.It's the yen, Emma.
- EmmaEst-ce une devise facile à trouver ?Is it an easy currency to find?
- NathanOui, tu peux la changer partout.Yes, you can exchange it everywhere.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “currency” translations and entries devise, monnaie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devise, monnaie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
