Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rabais | /ʁa.bɛ/ | masculine |
| discompte | /dis.kɔ̃t/ | masculine |
| promotion | /pʁɔ.mɔ.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
All the forms listed below refer to a reduction in price. The term soldes is used specifically to refer to a period of general sales or discounts, while the expression faire une bonne affaire means to get a good deal. If you are entitled to a discount, you can say you avoir droit à une réduction.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the context of the price reduction. promotion is used for a general price reduction or sale offered by a store to all customers. In contrast, discompte is a technical term used primarily in banking or accounting for a discount related to financial transactions or early payment of a bill or debt. rabais is a slightly less formal option for 'discount' that is used in commercial advertisements and official communication.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms rabais and discompte are masculine nouns, while promotion is a feminine noun. If you need to express the action of deducting from an account, debt or charge, you can use the verb décompter.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁa.bɛ/
Did you know?
- In France, the soldes are strictly regulated by the government, including specific dates when they must start and end.
- While rabais is for a price reduction, the word rabaisser can also be used as a verb meaning 'to belittle' or 'to humiliate' a person.
- French law distinguishes between a remise for a loyal customer and a rabais for a defective product.
Examples in context
- Pourrais-tu me faire un rabais ?Could you give me a discount?This sentence is useful for asking for a discount.Tatoeba #1342502 by sacredceltic, translation #276951 by CK
- Pouvez-vous m'accorder un rabais ?Can you give me a discount?Tatoeba #1015378 by sacredceltic, translation #31283 by CK
- Il y a une éraflure ici. Pouvez-vous m'accorder un rabais ?There's a scratch here. Could you give me a discount?Tatoeba #585176 by sacredceltic, translation #61740 by CK
- Les soldes d'étéSummer sales
- Les soldes de fin d'annéeEnd-of-year sales
- J'ai obtenu une réduction de 50% sur ce produit.I got a 50% discount on this product.
- Profitez dès maintenant de cette réduc exclusive en magasin.Take advantage of this exclusive discount in-store right now.
- Les soldes d'été commencent demain. Ne les manquez pas!The summer sales start tomorrow. Don't miss them!
- Économisez de l'argent grâce aux rabais spéciaux de notre programme fidélité.Save money with the special discounts from our loyalty program.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is buying a jacket at a clothing store.
- ChloéCe manteau est très beau, mais un peu cher.This coat is very beautiful, but a bit expensive.
- HugoJe peux vous proposer un rabais de dix pour cent.I can offer you a ten percent discount.
- ChloéC'est parfait, je vais le prendre.That's perfect, I will take it.
- HugoTrès bien, je m'occupe de tout, Chloé.Very well, I will take care of everything, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discount” translations and entries rabais, discompte, promotion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
