faire des économies
To save money in French is faire des économies.
This phrase is used to describe the act of reducing spending, cutting costs or putting money aside for future use.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase faire des économies literally translates to "to make savings".
Which one should you use?
While faire des économies focuses on the act of reducing expenses or cutting costs, the verb épargner is more specifically used for the act of setting money aside in a bank or savings account. You can also use the single verb économiser as a common and direct way to say "to save money" or "to economize".
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb sauver (which means to rescue or save a life) when they mean to save money. You should use faire des économies or économiser instead.
Did you know?
- The French expression faire des économies de bout de chandelle refers to saving tiny amounts of money while wasting much larger sums elsewhere.
- If you want to say you are 'saving up' for a specific goal, French speakers often use the phrase mettre de côté, which literally means 'to put to the side'.
- In French, a 'savings account' is called a compte d'épargne, but the most famous traditional savings product for children is the Livret A.
Examples in context
- On a réglé notre thermostat plus bas pour faire des économies sur notre facture de chauffage.We've set our thermostat lower to save money on our heating bill.This sentence shows how to use the phrase when referring to saving money on a specific bill.Tatoeba #10509623 by lbdx, translation #9735431 by CK
- Je préfère cuisiner pour faire des économies.I prefer to cook in order to save money.This sentence illustrates using the phrase to explain a preference for cooking to reduce costs.Tatoeba #13886921 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13886920 by Ioan_Cristian
- Elle veut faire des économies pour ses prochaines vacances.She wants to save money for her next vacation.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing their monthly budget at home.
- EmmaOn doit faire des économies ce mois-ci, Gabriel.We need to save money this month, Gabriel.
- GabrielTu as raison, Emma, on dépense trop.You are right, Emma, we are spending too much.
- EmmaOn pourrait éviter de manger au restaurant.We could avoid eating at restaurants.
- GabrielBonne idée, je vais préparer mes repas.Good idea, I will prepare my meals.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
