pot-de-vin
/po.d(ə).vɛ̃/
The English phrase "kickback" can be translated into French as pot-de-vin.
The term is used to describe a covert payment made in return for a favor. Using pot-de-vin specifically implies corruption and illegal activity.
Meaning: covert payment in return for a favor (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term pot-de-vin literally translates to "pot of wine".
Which one should you use?
While pot-de-vin is an informal way to express a kickback or a bribe, rétrocommission is a formal term. In business settings, the word commission may be used as a euphemism to avoid the criminal connotations associated with a kickback.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pot-de-vin is an informal term. For formal contexts, use rétrocommission. In business, one might use the euphemism commission to describe such payments more neutrally. Another informal synonym is the phrase dessous-de-table, which refers to an under-the-table payment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pot-de-vin is pots-de-vin.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /po.d(ə).vɛ̃/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term pot-de-vin originates from the historical custom of offering a 'pot of wine' to a public official to grease the wheels of bureaucracy.
- In historical French contexts, giving a 'pot of wine' was often seen as a customary gesture of goodwill or hospitality rather than a crime.
- The formal term rétrocommission is a technical portmanteau that specifically describes the 'return' of a part of a commission to the person who facilitated the deal.
Examples in context
- Dans le domaine des affaires, les entreprises peuvent être impliquées dans des rétrocommissions.In the business world, companies can be involved in kickbacks.
- La réallocation des fonds a entraîné une rétrocommission secrète.The reallocation of funds resulted in a secret kickback.
- Il a accepté un pot-de-vin pour fermer les yeux sur cette affaire.He accepted a kickback to turn a blind eye to this matter.
- Il a reçu un pot-de-vin pour ce contrat.He received a kickback for this contract.
- Le policier a accepté un pot-de-vin.The police officer accepted a kickback.
- Ils sont en prison pour un pot-de-vin.They are in prison because of a kickback.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are discussing a recent news report about a corruption scandal.
- EmmaTu as vu l'article sur le pot-de-vin ?Did you see the article about the kickback?
- NathanOui, c'est un scandale énorme.Yes, it is an enormous scandal.
- EmmaLe maire a accepté beaucoup d'argent.The mayor accepted a lot of money.
- NathanC'est vraiment très grave.It is really very serious.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pot-de-vin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pot-de-vin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
