parrainer un ami
To refer a friend in French is to parrainer un ami.
The phrase is used when you recommend a person to a service or company in order to receive a reward. When you want to name the actual referral program itself, you use the noun parrainage (un programme de parrainage).
What does it mean word for word?
The verb parrainer literally means to sponsor or to act as a patron, which is the standard term used in French for referral programs.
Which one should you use?
While parrainer un ami is the standard infinitive form, you will often see the imperative form parrainez un ami used on websites for buttons or as a call-to-action.
Did you know?
- The verb parrainer is built from the word for 'godfather', making a simple commercial referral sound like a sacred religious duty.
- The term parrainage is also used in French politics and diplomacy to describe the official sponsorship required for a candidate to run for president.
- Beyond business, parrainer is used when an experienced student mentors a new arrival at a university. This student mentor is called a parrain or marraine.
Examples in context
- J'aimerais recommander un ami pour votre service de livraison. Il est fiable et a besoin d'une solution pratique.I would like to recommend a friend for your delivery service. He is reliable and needs a practical solution.
- Parrainez un ami et recevez 10 € de réduction.Refer a friend and receive a €10 discount.
- Vous pouvez parrainer un ami pour obtenir une réduction.You can refer a friend to get a discount.
- Il est facile de parrainer un ami sur cette application.It is easy to refer a friend on this app.
- Est-ce que je peux parrainer un ami pour gagner un cadeau ?Can I refer a friend to win a gift?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a new banking app.
- ManonGabriel, tu veux parrainer un ami pour gagner dix euros ?Gabriel, do you want to refer a friend to win ten euros?
- GabrielC'est une bonne idée, comment est-ce que je fais ?That is a good idea, how do I do it?
- ManonIl suffit de cliquer sur le lien de parrainage.You just have to click on the referral link.
- GabrielMerci Manon, je vais essayer tout de suite.Thanks Manon, I will try it right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ami, parrainer, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
