devis
/də.vi/
The French term for price quote is devis.
In a business context, un devis is the standard term used when a contractor or service provider provides a written estimate for a client. To ask for such an estimate, you can use the verbal phrase demander un devis (to request a quote).
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between devis and facture. While a devis is the estimate provided before work begins, a facture is the actual invoice sent after the work is completed or at a specific billing stage.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word devis is the same in both singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/də.vi/
Did you know?
- The term devis comes from the old verb deviser, which meant to chat, converse, or discuss at length.
- In France, a signed devis is often treated as a legally binding contract, whereas in many English-speaking countries a 'quote' is merely an estimate.
- Using the word estimation instead of devis in a business setting can imply that the provider is guessing rather than calculating a professional cost.
Examples in context
- Pouvez-vous me fournir un devis pour le projet ?Can you provide me with a price quote for the project?
- Merci de bien vouloir m'envoyer une estimation de prix détaillée.Please send me a detailed price quote.
- As-tu une idée du devis approximatif pour ce projet ?Do you have any idea about the ballpark price quote for this project?
- J'aimerais obtenir un prix indicatif pour la rénovation de ma maison.I would like to get a price quote for the renovation of my house, just as an indication.
- Pouvez-vous m'envoyer un devis par e-mail ?Can you send me a price quote by email?
- J'ai reçu le devis pour les travaux.I received the price quote for the work.
- Le devis est plus élevé que prévu.The price quote is higher than expected.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing a renovation project at home.
- HugoEst-ce que tu as le devis de l'électricien ?Do you have the electrician's price quote?
- ChloéOui, Hugo, je l'ai sur mon bureau.Yes, Hugo, I have it on my desk.
- HugoEst-ce qu'il est raisonnable ?Is it reasonable?
- ChloéOui, le montant me semble correct.Yes, the amount seems correct to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry devis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
