piquet
/pi.kɛ/
The English word 'stake', when referring to a share or interest in a business, is translated into French as piquet.
Meaning: share or interest in a business (noun)
Which one should you use?
While piquet is the default form, enjeu is a formal translation for 'stake' and participation financière can be used to discuss the financial aspect of a stake.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pi.kɛ/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The verb piquer from which piquet derives is also used in French to mean 'to steal' or 'to pinch' in informal slang.
- The word piquet is also used in the French army to describe a small guard detachment or a sentry post. This usage connects the physical 'stake' of a boundary to the people guarding that boundary.
- A piquet can refer to a specific type of trick-taking card game played in France. This creates a linguistic link between the physical stake and the 'stakes' of a game.
Examples in context
- Bien sûr. Et si tu es gentil, je te donnerai aussi une corde pour l'attacher pendant le jour. Et un piquet.Exactly. And if you behave, I’ll give you a rope to tie him up during the day. And a stake.The sentence using piquet mentions providing a rope and a stake.Tatoeba #9027856 by carlosalberto, translation #9027879 by carlosalberto
- Les enjeux de cette négociation sont élevés.The stakes of this negotiation are high.
- J'ai mis en jeu ma réputation en acceptant ce défi.I put my reputation at stake by accepting this challenge.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing a new business venture.
- GabrielVeux-tu prendre un piquet dans mon projet ?Do you want to take a stake in my project?
- ChloéOui, mais combien ça coûte ?Yes, but how much does it cost?
- GabrielC'est très abordable pour un petit piquet.It is very affordable for a small stake.
- ChloéD'accord, je suis partante !Okay, I'm in!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry piquet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piquet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
