au nom de
/o nɔ̃ də/
In French, 'on behalf of' is expressed as au nom de. Wiktionary also lists pour le compte de.
Meaning: speaking or acting for (prep)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| au nom de | /o nɔ̃ də/ |
| pour le compte de | /puʁ lə kɔ̃t də/ |
The phrase au nom de is used when someone is acting as a representative or spokesperson for someone else's identity or authority. The alternative expression pour le compte de is used specifically when performing a task or transaction for the benefit or account of another person or entity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase au nom de literally translates to 'in the name of'.
Which one should you use?
Use au nom de when acting as a spokesperson for someone's authority. Use pour le compte de when you are acting on someone's account or performing a specific task for them.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the object following au nom de is plural, the 'de' combines with the definite article to become 'des', such as in au nom des employés (on behalf of the employees).
How do you pronounce it?
/o nɔ̃ də/
Did you know?
- While pour le compte de refers to acting on someone's behalf, the word compte also appears in the expression rendre des comptes, which means to be held accountable or to explain one's actions.
- The word compte in pour le compte de was once spelled conte in Old French before the 'mp' was added back to match its Latin root computus.
- The phrase au nom de is used not only for representatives but also in religious formulas to invoke a deity, similar to saying 'In the name of the Father' in a prayer.
Examples in context
- Je vous écris au nom de ma mère.I am writing to you on behalf of my mother.This sentence shows how to use au nom de to express writing for a person.Tatoeba #10556336 by lbdx, translation #261686 by CM
- J'écris au nom de mon époux qui est à l'hôpital.I am writing on behalf of my husband, who is in the hospital.This sentence demonstrates using au nom de when someone is unable to write themselves.Tatoeba #921044 by sacredceltic, translation #265859 by AlanF_US
- Certains ont qualifié l'altruisme d'égoïsme au nom des autres.Some have characterized altruism as selfishness on behalf of others.This sentence illustrates the use of au nom de in a more abstract sense regarding the interests of others.Tatoeba #9190993 by Micsmithel, translation #8860358 by AlanF_US
- Au nom de notre entreprise, je souhaite exprimer mes sincères condoléances.On behalf of our company, I would like to express my sincere condolences.
- Je vous écris de la part de Monsieur Dupont pour vous informer de son absence.I am writing to you on behalf of Mr. Dupont to inform you of his absence.
- Je suis ici de la part de Julie pour te remettre ton cadeau d'anniversaire.I'm here on behalf of Julie to give you your birthday present.
- Je retire cet objet par procuration au nom de Monsieur Martin.I am collecting this item on behalf of Mr. Martin.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is attending a meeting for her boss.
- EmmaJe suis ici au nom de mon directeur.I am here on behalf of my director.
- GabrielC'est noté, Emma. Bienvenue à la réunion.Noted, Emma. Welcome to the meeting.
- EmmaMerci, Gabriel. Je vais prendre des notes.Thank you, Gabriel. I will take notes.
- GabrielTrès bien, commençons tout de suite.Very well, let's start right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on behalf of” translations and entries au nom de, pour le compte de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compte, de, le, nom, pour, pour le compte de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
