devis
/də.vi/masculine
The French word for an estimate (in construction and business) is devis.
In a business or construction context, devis refers to a formal document specifying the probable cost of a job. While the related verb estimer means to calculate something roughly, you should use the noun devis when referring to the actual written quote or document.
Meaning: (construction and business) a document specifying how much a job will probably cost (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between devis and estimation. Use devis when referring to a formal document or quote provided by a professional. In contrast, estimation refers to the abstract process or act of calculating a value.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun devis is invariable, meaning its spelling does not change when you are talking about more than one estimate.
How do you pronounce it?
devis is pronounced /də.vi/ and has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb estimer to mean a written business estimate. Instead, use the noun devis to refer to the document itself.
Did you know?
- In France, signing a devis often transforms the document into a legally binding contract, making it much more powerful than a non-binding 'estimate' in English-speaking countries.
- The word devis comes from the verb deviser, which used to mean 'to discuss' or 'to chat'. This suggests that a professional estimate was originally viewed as the result of a conversation between a provider and a client.
- Because devis is derived from the idea of talking, it shares a linguistic root with the English word 'device'.
Examples in context
- Il t'a fait un devis ?Did he give you an estimate?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has provided an estimate.Tatoeba #8741465 by Julien_PDC, translation #10830334 by AlanF_US
- Il nous faut un devis.We need an estimate.This sentence is useful for stating that an estimate is required.Tatoeba #11125390 by lbdx, translation #10830333 by AlanF_US
- Ils vont me donner un devis.They're going to give me an estimate.This sentence is useful for describing the intent to provide an estimate.Tatoeba #3271971 by nimfeo, translation #3271970 by CM
- Le rapport inclut une estimation des coûts du projet.The report includes a cost estimate for the project.
- Le spécialiste a effectué une évaluation du prix de la maison.The specialist made an estimate of the house price.
- J'ai demandé un devis pour la réparation de ma voiture.I asked for an estimate for my car repair.
- Je ne peux donner qu'une idée de prix approximatif pour le travail.I can only give you a rough estimate for the job.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing a home renovation project.
- HugoChloé, as-tu reçu le devis pour la cuisine ?Chloé, have you received the estimate for the kitchen?
- ChloéOui, Hugo, je l'ai reçu ce matin.Yes, Hugo, I received it this morning.
- HugoLe montant total est-il raisonnable ?Is the total amount reasonable?
- ChloéC'est un peu cher, mais c'est correct.It is a bit expensive, but it is okay.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “estimate” translations and entries devis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
