taux de base bancaire
The English phrase "prime rate" is translated into French as taux de base bancaire.
The term refers to the interest rate that commercial banks charge their most creditworthy corporate customers.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of taux (rate), de base (base/basic) and bancaire (banking).
Did you know?
- The word bancaire comes from banque, which shares its root with the Italian 'banco', originally referring to the physical bench or table where money changers sat.
- Unlike in English, where 'prime' suggests the best or highest quality, the French de base frames the rate as a starting point or foundation for other calculations.
- The French word taux for 'rate' is a linguistic relative of the English word 'tax'. Both evolved from the Old French verb tauxer, meaning 'to tax' or 'to evaluate'.
Examples in context
- La baisse du taux préférentiel a stimulé l'investissement dans l'économie.The decrease in the prime rate has stimulated investment in the economy.
- Le taux de base bancaire a augmenté ce mois-ci.The prime rate increased this month.
- Les entreprises surveillent le taux de base bancaire.Companies are monitoring the prime rate.
- Quel est le taux de base bancaire actuel ?What is the current prime rate?
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a business loan at the office.
- GabrielEmma, as-tu vérifié le taux de base bancaire ?Emma, did you check the prime rate?
- EmmaOui, Gabriel, il est stable pour le moment.Yes, Gabriel, it is stable for the moment.
- GabrielC'est une bonne nouvelle pour notre crédit.That is good news for our credit.
- EmmaOn peut donc finaliser le dossier demain.We can therefore finalize the file tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bancaire, base, de, taux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
