acompte
/a.kɔ̃t/
In French, the English term 'deposit' is translated as acompte.
acompte is used to describe a partial payment made toward a purchase that commits both parties to the transaction. The standard way to say you are paying this deposit is to use the verb phrase verser un acompte, which literally means to transfer or pour a deposit.
Meaning: to put money or funds into an account (verb)
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'deposit' for both a security deposit and a down payment, acompte specifically refers to a partial payment made toward a purchase that commits both parties to the transaction. If you mean a 'deposit' in the sense of a refundable security deposit (e.g., for an apartment rental), you should use caution or dépôt de garantie instead of acompte.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.kɔ̃t/ (two syllables)
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use acompte to mean a refundable security deposit, but in French, an acompte is a non-refundable down payment that confirms a sale.
Did you know?
- If you want to pay just a small fee to hold an item without the legal obligation to buy it, you must ask for an arrhes instead of an acompte.
- The verb verser used with acompte literally translates to 'to pour', as if you are pouring liquid into a container.
- The term acompte is built from 'à' and 'compte', meaning 'to account for' or 'on account'.
Examples in context
- Exigez-vous un acompte ?Do you require a deposit?This sentence is useful for asking if a deposit is required using acompte.Tatoeba #11217775 by lbdx, translation #2959465 by sharptoothed
- Nous avons versé un acompte de 30 % pour la commande.We paid a 30% deposit for the order.This sentence is useful for describing the act of paying an acompte for an order.Tatoeba #13406126 by Igider, translation #13406127 by Igider
- J'ai effectué un dépôt de garantie pour l'appartement.I made a security deposit for the apartment.
- Le dépôt doit être payé en espèces.The deposit must be paid in cash.
- Je vais te donner 50 euros d'arrhes pour la réservation.I will give you 50 euros as a down payment for the reservation.
- Il n'est pas nécessaire de verser des arrhes pour cet achat.It is not necessary to pay a deposit for this purchase.
- Je dois verser un acompte pour réserver la salle.I have to pay a deposit to reserve the room.
Example conversation
Gabriel is hiring Léa to paint his house.
- GabrielJe peux commencer les travaux lundi prochain.I can start the work next Monday.
- LéaD'accord, je vous verse un acompte aujourd'hui.Okay, I will pay you a deposit today.
- GabrielMerci, cela confirmera notre rendez-vous.Thank you, that will confirm our appointment.
- LéaC'est entendu, je fais le virement.It's a deal, I'm making the transfer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry acompte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acompte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
