blanchiment d'argent
/blɑ̃.ʃi.mɑ̃ d‿aʁ.ʒɑ̃/masculine
The English phrase "money laundering" is translated into French as blanchiment d'argent.
blanchiment d'argent refers to the act of obscuring the origin of money that has been obtained illegally.
Meaning: act of obscuring the origin of money that has been obtained illegally (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term blanchiment means "whitening", which is derived from the verb blanchir (to whiten). This is the literal equivalent of the English metaphor "laundering," used to describe making dirty money appear clean.
How does it change in a sentence?
blanchiment d'argent is a masculine noun phrase and does not change its form when used in different contexts. In a financial context, the noun blanchiment can be used alone to mean "laundering".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /blɑ̃.ʃi.mɑ̃ d‿aʁ.ʒɑ̃/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- While blanchiment refers to cleaning money, the word blanchir is also used in French cooking to describe the process of parboiling vegetables in water to preserve their color.
- In French, the term blanchiment is also used in skincare to describe the process of using products to lighten one's complexion.
- The verb blanchir can be used figuratively in French to mean 'to clear one's name' or 'to vindicate' someone in a way that 'to wash' cannot in English.
Examples in context
- Il a été accusé de blanchiment d'argent.He was accused of money-laundering.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use blanchiment d'argent in a sentence regarding an accusation.Tatoeba #11152462 by lbdx, translation #1848789 by Spamster
- Les autorités enquêtent sur un cas de blanchiment d'argent.Authorities are investigating a case of money laundering.
- Tu sais, il paraît qu'il est impliqué dans un blanchiment d'oseille.You know, it seems he is involved in money laundering.
- J'ai entendu dire qu'il fait du blanchiment.I heard he's into money laundering.
- Le blanchiment d'argent est un crime grave.Money laundering is a serious crime.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a true crime documentary on TV.
- NathanCe film parle de blanchiment d'argent.This movie is about money laundering.
- LéaC'est une histoire fascinante, Nathan.It's a fascinating story, Nathan.
- NathanMais c'est très complexe.But it's very complex.
- LéaOui, l'enquête est très longue.Yes, the investigation is very long.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money laundering” translations and entries blanchiment d'argent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
