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B2 verb 9 دقيقة للقراءة

débourser

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح débourser في 30 ثانية

الشرح débourser in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'débourser' is quite advanced, but you can understand it by comparing it to the simple word 'payer' (to pay). Imagine you have a small bag of coins (a purse). When you take a coin out to buy a candy, you are 'débourser'—taking it out of your bag. Even though you will mostly use 'payer' at this level, knowing 'débourser' helps you recognize it when people talk about spending money. It is a regular '-er' verb, so it conjugates just like 'parler' or 'habiter'. For example, 'Je débourse' (I pay out). At this stage, just remember that it means to spend money, usually a specific amount. You might see it in simple stories about shopping or going to a restaurant. It is a good 'bonus' word to show you are learning more than just the basics. Don't worry about using it in every sentence; just know that if someone asks 'Combien as-tu déboursé ?', they want to know how much you spent. It is a very concrete word because it comes from 'bourse', which means purse. So, think of your wallet every time you hear this word.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

For A2 learners, 'débourser' becomes more useful as you start talking about your daily life, hobbies, and travel. When you go on a trip, you have to pay for many things: the hotel, the train tickets, and the food. Instead of always saying 'J'ai payé', you can say 'J'ai déboursé 200 euros pour l'hôtel'. This makes your French sound more varied and precise. At this level, you should focus on using 'débourser' with specific numbers. It is almost always followed by a sum of money. You can also use it to talk about unexpected costs, like when something breaks and you have to fix it. For example, 'Ma télé est cassée, j'ai dû débourser 100 euros'. It helps you express the idea that the money is physically leaving your account or pocket. You will start to notice this word in advertisements or on price tags in more formal shops. It is a regular verb, so you can easily use it in the past tense (passé composé): 'J'ai déboursé'. Practice using it when you describe your expenses during the week to your teacher or friends.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex situations, such as managing a budget or discussing professional projects. 'Débourser' is a key word for these topics. It is more formal than 'dépenser' and is often used when the payment is a requirement or an investment. For instance, if you are planning a wedding or a big party, you will have many 'débours' (expenses) to manage. You might say, 'Nous avons prévu de débourser une certaine somme pour le traiteur'. This level also introduces the idea of paying 'de sa poche' (out of one's own pocket), which frequently pairs with 'débourser'. You will hear this word in news reports about the economy or in articles about the cost of living. It is important to distinguish 'débourser' from 'rembourser' (to reimburse). While 'débourser' is the act of paying, 'rembourser' is getting that money back. Understanding this distinction is vital for bureaucratic tasks in France, like dealing with health insurance (la sécurité sociale). You will often have to 'débourser' the money at the doctor's office first, and then the state will 'rembourser' you later.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, 'débourser' should be a natural part of your vocabulary. You are now able to use it in professional, academic, and social contexts with ease. You understand that 'débourser' implies a certain 'output' of capital. It is frequently used in the context of corporate finance, government spending, and legal fees. For example, 'L'entreprise a dû débourser des millions pour se conformer aux nouvelles normes environnementales'. At this stage, you should also be aware of the nuances between 'débourser', 's'acquitter de', and 'régler'. While 'régler' is for bills and 's'acquitter de' is for obligations, 'débourser' emphasizes the actual transfer of funds. You can also use it figuratively in some contexts, though it remains primarily financial. You should be comfortable using it in various tenses, including the conditional ('Je ne débourserais jamais autant') and the subjunctive ('Il faut que nous déboursions ces frais avant la fin du mois'). B2 learners should also recognize the word in more abstract discussions about the 'price' of something, even if it's not strictly monetary, though this is less common than its literal financial meaning.

For C1 learners, 'débourser' is a tool for precise financial and socio-economic analysis. You use it to describe the flow of capital in complex systems. In a C1 essay or presentation, you might discuss the 'coût d'opportunité' (opportunity cost) and how much a society is willing to 'débourser' for social progress or technological innovation. You understand the stylistic impact of the word; it carries a weight that 'payer' lacks. You might use it to highlight the burden of taxation or the significant investment required for infrastructure. For example, 'L'effort financier que l'État doit débourser pour soutenir le secteur culturel est sans précédent'. You are also familiar with the noun form 'débours', often used in the plural 'les débours', which refers to specific expenses incurred by a professional (like a lawyer or architect) on behalf of a client that must be repaid. At this level, you can appreciate the historical and etymological roots of the word and use it to add color and authority to your speech and writing. You can also play with the word in more creative contexts, perhaps using it ironically to describe a situation where someone had to 'pay' a high price in terms of effort or reputation.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, 'débourser' is a word you master in all its subtleties. You can use it in high-level diplomatic, legal, or philosophical discourse. You might analyze the 'logique de déboursement' in international aid or corporate mergers. You are aware of how the word functions in various registers, from the starkly clinical to the elegantly literary. In a C2 context, 'débourser' can be part of a broader discussion on the nature of value and exchange. You might use it to critique a consumerist society where every interaction requires one to 'débourser' something. You are also expert at using it in complex grammatical structures, such as passive voices in formal reports ('Les sommes déboursées par le fonds souverain ont été auditées') or in nuanced conditional sentences. Your understanding of the word extends to its synonyms and antonyms in very specific niches, such as 'percevoir' (to collect/receive) or 'engager des frais' (to incur costs). For a C2 speaker, 'débourser' is not just a verb for paying; it is a term that signifies the movement of resources and the commitments that follow. You use it with total precision, knowing exactly when it will resonate most effectively with your audience.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

débourser في 30 ثانية

Débourser is a French verb meaning to spend or pay out money, originating from the word for 'purse'. It is more formal than 'payer'.
It typically refers to the physical or electronic transfer of a specific sum of money to cover a necessary or significant expense.
Commonly used in business, legal, and news contexts, it highlights the act of funds leaving a person's or organization's possession.
It is a regular -er verb and is often found in phrases like 'débourser de sa poche' (to pay out of pocket).

The French verb débourser is a sophisticated yet common term that translates to 'to spend,' 'to pay out,' or 'to disburse' money. While it shares a general meaning with the more common verb payer, it carries a specific nuance of taking money out of one's own pocket, a fund, or a savings account to cover a cost. The word is deeply rooted in the physical act of reaching into a purse or wallet, which makes it particularly evocative in discussions about personal finances, business expenses, and unexpected costs. In a linguistic sense, it implies a certain level of effort or a specific transaction where a sum of money is transferred from a holder to a recipient. Understanding this word is crucial for B2 learners because it appears frequently in news reports, financial discussions, and formal conversations where 'payer' might feel too simplistic or generic. It often suggests that the amount being paid is significant or that the payment was a necessary requirement for a larger goal, such as buying a house or funding a project.

Etymological Connection: The term comes from the word 'bourse' (purse). The prefix 'dé-' indicates removal or movement away from. Literally, it means to take money out of the purse. This physical imagery helps learners remember that it involves the actual output of cash or capital.
Financial Context: In professional environments, 'débourser' is used to describe the allocation of funds for investments, overheads, or operational costs. It is less about the pleasure of spending and more about the necessity of payment.
Emotional Nuance: Often, 'débourser' carries a slight hint of reluctance or the realization of a high cost. When someone says they had to 'débourser' a certain amount, they are often emphasizing the weight of that financial obligation.

Pour acquérir ce terrain, l'investisseur a dû débourser une somme colossale de deux millions d'euros.

Est-ce que tu es prêt à débourser autant d'argent pour un simple téléphone ?

L'État a accepté de débourser les fonds nécessaires pour la reconstruction du pont.

Elle a dû débourser de sa propre poche car l'assurance ne couvrait pas les dégâts.

Nous ne voulons pas débourser un centime de plus pour ce projet mal géré.

Using débourser correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the typical contexts in which it thrives. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the amount of money being spent. However, it can also be used absolutely or with prepositional phrases to specify the source of the money. For instance, you will often see the phrase débourser de sa poche, which means to pay out of one's own pocket. This highlights the personal financial impact of the transaction. In sentence construction, it follows the standard conjugation of first-group (-er) verbs, making it relatively easy to master once you understand its purpose. It is frequently paired with modal verbs like devoir (to have to) or pouvoir (to be able to), reflecting the necessity or capacity to make a payment. Furthermore, it is common in the infinitive form after verbs of intent or planning, such as prévoir de débourser (to plan on spending).

Direct Object Usage: The most common structure is 'débourser + [amount]'. For example: 'Il a déboursé cent euros.' This clearly states the quantity paid.
Negative Constructions: Using it with 'ne... pas un sou' or 'ne... pas un centime' emphasizes a total refusal to pay. 'Je ne débourserai pas un sou pour cette arnaque.'
Passive and Pronominal: While less common, the passive form 'être déboursé' can be used in accounting contexts to indicate that funds have been released. 'Les fonds ont été déboursés hier.'

Chaque année, les ménages doivent débourser davantage pour leur chauffage.

Le gouvernement refuse de débourser la moindre aide supplémentaire.

Si vous voulez cette voiture de luxe, il faudra débourser au moins cinquante mille euros.

J'ai déjà déboursé tous mes frais d'inscription pour l'université.

Combien as-tu dû débourser pour réparer ta machine à laver ?

In the real world, débourser is a staple of French media and administrative life. You will hear it on the evening news when a journalist discusses the cost of a new public infrastructure project, such as a high-speed rail line or a hospital. It is the word of choice for economists analyzing consumer behavior or the impact of inflation on household budgets. In a more personal context, you might hear a friend complain about how much they had to pay at the mechanic or for their children's school supplies. It is also very common in the legal and real estate sectors. When you buy a house in France, the 'notaire' (notary) will talk about the fees you need to débourser beyond the actual price of the property. In business meetings, a project manager might present a budget and state the total amount the company will need to débourser over the next quarter. It is a word that bridges the gap between the clinical world of accounting and the everyday reality of spending money. Even in informal settings, using 'débourser' instead of 'payer' can add a touch of emphasis or irony, highlighting the significant nature of the expense.

News and Media: Journalists use it to describe government spending or large corporate acquisitions. It sounds professional and precise.
Real Estate and Law: Notaries and lawyers use it to list the various costs associated with legal transactions, such as taxes and administrative fees.
Everyday Complaints: You'll hear it in conversations where people are venting about the cost of living. 'J'ai dû débourser une fortune pour mes vacances!'

Le JT de 20h : 'La ville va débourser 500 000 euros pour rénover le centre-ville.'

Un ami : 'J'ai dû débourser un mois de salaire pour ces réparations imprévues.'

Annonce immobilière : 'Frais de notaire à débourser en sus du prix de vente.'

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing débourser with dépenser. While they both relate to spending, dépenser is much broader and can refer to spending time, energy, or money in a general sense. Débourser is strictly financial and usually refers to a specific, often mandatory or necessary, payment. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Some learners try to say 'débourser à quelqu'un' (to pay to someone), but 'débourser' focuses on the amount or the act of taking money out. If you want to specify who you are paying, 'payer' is usually more natural. Furthermore, because it sounds like the English word 'disburse,' some English speakers might over-use it in contexts where 'payer' is more appropriate. For example, you wouldn't typically 'débourser' for a baguette at the bakery unless you were being deliberately humorous about the cost. It is also important not to confuse it with 'rembourser' (to refund/reimburse), which is the opposite action—returning money that was previously spent or lent. Finally, ensure you are using it as a verb; the noun form is 'débours', which is much rarer and mostly used in plural ('les débours') in specific legal or accounting contexts.

Débourser vs. Dépenser: Dépenser is general (spending money on clothes). Débourser is specific (paying out a sum for a fee). You 'dépense' your budget, but you 'débourse' the actual cash.
Confusion with Rembourser: Rembourser means to get money back or pay back a loan. Débourser is the initial act of paying it out. They are sequential but opposite in direction.
Over-formality: Avoid using 'débourser' for tiny, trivial daily purchases. It sounds strange to 'débourser' for a pack of gum.

Incorrect : J'ai déboursé mon temps pour ce projet. (Use 'consacré' or 'dépensé').

Incorrect : Il a déboursé à son frère. (Correct : Il a payé son frère ou il a déboursé cent euros pour son frère).

French offers a rich palette of verbs for financial transactions, and choosing the right one depends on the register and the specific context. Débourser sits in the middle-to-high register. For everyday use, payer is the universal choice. If you want to talk about the general act of using money, dépenser is the go-to verb. In more formal or legal settings, you might encounter s'acquitter de (to settle/pay off a debt) or régler (to settle a bill). If the payment is particularly painful or large, slang terms like raquer, banquer, or allonger are used to convey the sense of being forced to pay up. On the technical side, allouer (to allocate) or investir (to invest) are used when the money is being put toward a future benefit. Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate French social and professional circles with greater precision. For example, using 's'acquitter de ses impôts' sounds much more appropriate for a tax lawyer than 'payer ses impôts', while 'débourser' perfectly captures the administrative act of the payout.

Débourser vs. Régler: 'Régler' is often used for bills (factures). 'Débourser' is for the actual sum of money leaving your possession.
Débourser vs. S'acquitter de: 'S'acquitter de' implies fulfilling an obligation or debt. 'Débourser' is simply the act of paying out the cash.
Débourser vs. Raquer: 'Raquer' is very informal and implies that the payment is annoying or unfair. 'Débourser' is neutral and professional.

Au lieu de débourser une fortune, essayez de négocier le prix.

Il a dû raquer pour l'amende de stationnement. (Slang version).

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The root 'bourse' is also why the stock market is called 'The Bourse' in many languages. It originally referred to a leather pouch.

دليل النطق

UK /de.buʁ.se/

US /deɪ.buɹ.seɪ/

The stress is even, but slightly more emphasis falls on the final syllable '-ser'.

يتقافى مع

verser traverser bercer percer exercer renverser converser disperser

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing the final 'r' (it is silent in the infinitive).
Making the 'ou' sound like 'u' (it should be like the 'oo' in 'boot').
Confusing the 'é' with a short 'e' like in 'get'.
Not pronouncing the 's' clearly.
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Common in newspapers and formal documents, but easy to guess from context.

الكتابة 4/5

Requires knowledge of when to use it over 'payer' or 'dépenser' to sound natural.

التحدث 4/5

Used in professional or serious personal discussions; slightly formal for casual chat.

الاستماع 3/5

Easily recognized by its 'bourse' root and distinct sound.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

payer argent bourse dépenser coûter

تعلّم لاحقاً

rembourser financer investir amortir subventionner

متقدم

fongible liquidités solvabilité créance débours

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Conjugation of -er verbs

Je débourse, tu débourses, il débourse...

Use of 'devoir' + infinitive

Je dois débourser 100 euros.

Passé composé with 'avoir'

J'ai déboursé une fortune hier.

Subjunctive after 'il faut que'

Il faut que nous déboursions ces frais.

Reflexive verbs in financial context (rembourser)

Il s'est fait rembourser après avoir déboursé.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Je dois débourser dix euros pour le pain.

I have to pay out ten euros for the bread.

Present tense of a regular -er verb.

Elle débourse de l'argent pour son café.

She is spending money for her coffee.

Subject-verb agreement: 'Elle débourse'.

Est-ce que tu débourses beaucoup pour tes vêtements ?

Do you spend a lot on your clothes?

Interrogative form with 'est-ce que'.

Nous déboursons cinq euros pour le bus.

We are paying five euros for the bus.

First person plural: 'Nous déboursons'.

Ils ne déboursent rien aujourd'hui.

They are not spending anything today.

Negative form: 'ne... rien'.

Tu vas débourser pour le cadeau ?

Are you going to pay for the gift?

Near future: 'aller + infinitive'.

Le livre coûte cher, je débourse vingt euros.

The book is expensive, I'm paying twenty euros.

Simple sentence structure.

Papa débourse pour mon école.

Dad pays for my school.

Third person singular: 'Papa débourse'.

J'ai déboursé cinquante euros pour ce dîner.

I spent fifty euros for this dinner.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Elle a dû débourser une petite somme pour le taxi.

She had to pay a small sum for the taxi.

Passé composé of 'devoir' followed by infinitive.

Nous allons débourser pour nos billets de train.

We are going to pay for our train tickets.

Near future tense.

Il ne veut pas débourser plus de trente euros.

He doesn't want to spend more than thirty euros.

Negative 'ne... pas' with 'vouloir'.

Combien as-tu déboursé pour ton nouveau vélo ?

How much did you spend for your new bike?

Question using 'combien' and passé composé.

Mes parents ont déboursé pour mon voyage en France.

My parents paid for my trip to France.

Subject 'Mes parents' (plural) with passé composé.

Il faut débourser un peu d'argent pour entrer au musée.

You have to pay a little money to enter the museum.

Impersonal 'il faut' + infinitive.

Elle déboursait toujours en espèces.

She always used to pay in cash.

Imparfait tense for habitual actions.

Si tu achètes cette maison, tu devras débourser beaucoup de frais.

If you buy this house, you will have to pay a lot of fees.

Future tense of 'devoir'.

J'ai dû débourser de ma poche car l'entreprise n'a pas payé.

I had to pay out of my own pocket because the company didn't pay.

Idiomatic expression 'de sa poche'.

Il est rare de débourser autant pour une simple réparation.

It is rare to spend so much for a simple repair.

Infinitive as part of an impersonal construction.

Nous avons déjà déboursé la moitié de la somme totale.

We have already paid out half of the total sum.

Use of 'déjà' with passé composé.

Avant de partir, elle a déboursé ses dernières économies.

Before leaving, she spent her last savings.

Direct object 'ses dernières économies'.

Pourquoi devrions-nous débourser pour un service gratuit ?

Why should we pay for a free service?

Conditional mood 'devrions'.

Chaque mois, je débourse une partie de mon salaire pour le loyer.

Every month, I pay a portion of my salary for rent.

Present tense for recurring actions.

Ils ont refusé de débourser un centime de plus.

They refused to pay a single cent more.

Infinitive after 'refuser de'.

L'investisseur a accepté de débourser les fonds nécessaires au projet.

The investor agreed to disburse the funds necessary for the project.

Formal business context.

Il est inadmissible que nous devions débourser de tels montants.

It is unacceptable that we have to pay such amounts.

Subjunctive mood after 'il est inadmissible que'.

Après avoir déboursé les frais de scolarité, il ne lui restait plus rien.

After paying the tuition fees, he had nothing left.

Past infinitive 'après avoir déboursé'.

Le contribuable finit toujours par débourser pour les erreurs de l'État.

The taxpayer always ends up paying for the State's mistakes.

Generalizing about social/economic issues.

Pourriez-vous me dire combien je vais devoir débourser au total ?

Could you tell me how much I will have to pay in total?

Polite request in the conditional.

L'association a déboursé une somme importante pour aider les sinistrés.

The association spent a significant sum to help the victims.

Transitive use with a direct object.

Bien qu'il ait déboursé une fortune, le résultat n'est pas satisfaisant.

Although he spent a fortune, the result is not satisfying.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

N'oubliez pas de débourser les taxes avant la date limite.

Don't forget to pay the taxes before the deadline.

Imperative form 'n'oubliez pas'.

La municipalité rechigne à débourser les crédits alloués à la culture.

The municipality is reluctant to disburse the credits allocated to culture.

Use of high-level vocabulary like 'rechigner'.

Il est impératif que l'entreprise débourse ces indemnités sans délai.

It is imperative that the company pays these compensations without delay.

Subjunctive mood in a formal command.

Une telle stratégie nécessite de débourser des capitaux considérables.

Such a strategy requires spending considerable capital.

Abstract business language.

En déboursant cette somme, vous devenez actionnaire majoritaire.

By paying this sum, you become the majority shareholder.

Gerund 'en déboursant' to show means.

Les débours engagés par l'avocat seront facturés au client.

The expenses incurred by the lawyer will be billed to the client.

Use of the noun 'débours' in a legal context.

On ne saurait débourser de l'argent public sans une transparence totale.

One cannot spend public money without total transparency.

Formal 'on ne saurait' + infinitive.

Le coût social à débourser pour cette réforme est trop élevé.

The social cost to be paid for this reform is too high.

Figurative use of 'débourser' for 'cost'.

Quiconque souhaite participer devra débourser une mise de départ.

Anyone wishing to participate will have to pay an initial stake.

Use of 'quiconque' for universal statements.

L'herméneutique du don suggère que l'on débourse toujours plus que de l'argent.

The hermeneutics of the gift suggest that one always pays out more than just money.

Highly academic and philosophical register.

Les sommes déboursées ex nihilo par les banques centrales inquiètent les économistes.

The sums disbursed out of nothing by central banks worry economists.

Latin phrase 'ex nihilo' and passive past participle.

Sous l'Ancien Régime, débourser pour une charge était un moyen d'ascension sociale.

Under the Ancien Régime, paying for a public office was a means of social climbing.

Historical analysis register.

La propension à débourser varie selon les strates socioprofessionnelles.

The propensity to spend varies according to socio-professional strata.

Sociological terminology.

Nonobstant les sommes déboursées, la pérennité de l'institution reste fragile.

Notwithstanding the sums spent, the institution's sustainability remains fragile.

Use of the formal conjunction 'nonobstant'.

Il s'agit de débourser à bon escient pour garantir un retour sur investissement.

It is a matter of spending wisely to guarantee a return on investment.

Idiomatic 'à bon escient' (wisely).

L'opacité des fonds déboursés soulève des questions d'éthique politique.

The opacity of the disbursed funds raises questions of political ethics.

Abstract noun 'opacité' as subject.

Peut-on réellement débourser pour racheter sa conscience ?

Can one truly pay to buy back one's conscience?

Rhetorical question in a moral context.

تلازمات شائعة

débourser une somme

débourser de sa poche

débourser un centime

débourser des fonds

débourser une fortune

débourser des frais

débourser à l'avance

débourser pour rien

débourser sans compter

débourser les indemnités

العبارات الشائعة

Prêt à débourser

— Willing to pay a certain amount. Used to check someone's budget limit.

Combien es-tu prêt à débourser pour ce projet ?

Refuser de débourser

— To refuse to pay. Often used in disputes or negotiations.

Le client refuse de débourser les frais de livraison.

Devoir débourser

— To be obligated to pay. Very common in administrative warnings.

Vous allez devoir débourser une amende.

Avoir à débourser

— To have an upcoming expense. Focuses on the future obligation.

Nous aurons à débourser beaucoup pour les travaux.

Débourser la totalité

— To pay the full amount at once. Used in sales and contracts.

Il a déboursé la totalité du prix dès la signature.

Débourser une mise

— To pay an initial stake or investment. Common in gambling or business.

Chaque joueur doit débourser une mise de départ.

Débourser pour autrui

— To pay on behalf of someone else. Often used in legal or family contexts.

Il a dû débourser pour les dettes de son fils.

Ne rien débourser

— To not spend anything. Often used in marketing or 'free' offers.

Grâce à ce bon, vous ne débourserez rien.

Débourser au comptant

— To pay in cash or immediately. Used in financial transactions.

Elle a préféré débourser au comptant.

Débourser par tranches

— To pay in installments. Used for large payments.

On peut débourser la somme par tranches mensuelles.

يُخلط عادةً مع

débourser vs dépenser

Dépenser is general spending; débourser is specific payout of cash.

débourser vs rembourser

Rembourser is to pay back; débourser is to pay out initially.

débourser vs débrouiller

They sound slightly similar but 'débrouiller' means to manage or untangle a situation.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Débourser de sa poche"

— To pay with one's own personal money, especially when it wasn't expected.

Le patron n'a pas remboursé le taxi, j'ai dû débourser de ma poche.

standard

"Débourser un bras"

— To pay an extremely high price (equivalent to 'cost an arm and a leg').

J'ai dû débourser un bras pour cette montre !

informal

"Débourser sans broncher"

— To pay a high price without complaining or hesitating.

Il a déboursé les mille euros sans broncher.

standard

"Débourser rubis sur l'ongle"

— To pay immediately and in full (cash on the nail).

Il a déboursé les frais rubis sur l'ongle.

literary/idiomatic

"Débourser pour la gloire"

— To spend money on something that brings prestige but no profit.

Il débourse des fortunes pour ce club de foot, juste pour la gloire.

standard

"Ne pas débourser un kopeck"

— To not spend a single cent (using the Russian currency for emphasis).

Je ne débourserai pas un kopeck pour ce film !

informal

"Débourser à perte"

— To spend money on something that will not return a profit.

L'entreprise continue de débourser à perte dans ce secteur.

business

"Débourser pour les beaux yeux de quelqu'un"

— To pay for someone just because you like them, with no other reason.

Je ne vais pas débourser pour ses dettes juste pour ses beaux yeux.

informal

"Débourser en pure perte"

— To spend money completely in vain.

Nous avons déboursé des milliers d'euros en pure perte sur ce logiciel.

standard

"Débourser le prix fort"

— To pay the highest possible price, often due to lack of choice.

Si tu réserves tard, tu vas débourser le prix fort.

standard

سهل الخلط

débourser vs dépenser

Both mean 'to spend'.

Dépenser can be used for time and energy, and is more general. Débourser is strictly for money and implies an outflow from a fund.

Je dépense mon temps à lire, mais j'ai déboursé 20 euros pour ce livre.

débourser vs rembourser

Both are financial verbs ending in -bourser.

Débourser is the initial payment. Rembourser is returning that money to someone or getting it back.

J'ai déboursé l'argent au médecin, et la mutuelle m'a remboursé.

débourser vs régler

Both involve paying.

Régler focuses on the act of settling a bill or debt (the administrative part). Débourser focuses on the actual cash leaving your possession.

Je vais régler ma facture en déboursant cent euros.

débourser vs verser

Both involve moving money.

Verser is often used for deposits or transfers (pouring money into an account). Débourser is taking it out of your account/purse.

La banque va verser le prêt, puis je vais débourser pour la maison.

débourser vs allouer

Both are used in budgets.

Allouer means to set aside or designate money for a purpose. Débourser is the actual spending of that money.

La ville a alloué un budget, mais elle n'a pas encore déboursé les fonds.

أنماط الجُمل

J'ai déboursé [montant] pour [objet].

J'ai déboursé 20 euros pour ce livre.

Il a dû débourser de sa poche.

Comme il n'y avait plus de budget, il a dû débourser de sa poche.

L'entreprise prévoit de débourser [somme] l'année prochaine.

L'entreprise prévoit de débourser un million d'euros l'année prochaine.

Il est hors de question que je débourse un centime.

Le service est mauvais, il est hors de question que je débourse un centime.

En déboursant ces frais, vous vous assurez un service premium.

Les sommes déboursées s'élèvent à [montant].

Les sommes déboursées s'élèvent à plus de dix mille euros.

Nonobstant les montants déboursés, le projet a échoué.

Une telle réforme oblige l'État à débourser massivement.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

débours (m) - an outlay or expense (often used in plural)

déboursement (m) - the act of disbursing or the payout itself

bourse (f) - purse, wallet, stock exchange, or scholarship

الأفعال

rembourser - to reimburse or refund

débourser - to spend or pay out

الصفات

boursier - relating to the stock market or a scholarship holder

مرتبط

porte-monnaie

trésorerie

financement

dépense

paiement

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in news, business, and administrative contexts.

أخطاء شائعة

Using 'débourser' for time. → J'ai passé trois heures sur ce projet.
Débourser is only for money. For time, use 'passer', 'consacrer', or 'dépenser'.
Saying 'débourser à quelqu'un'. → J'ai payé cent euros à mon ami.
Débourser is usually followed by the amount, not the person. If you want to mention the recipient, use 'payer'.
Confusing 'débourser' with 'débrouiller'. → Je dois débourser de l'argent (to pay) vs Je dois me débrouiller (to manage).
These words sound similar but have completely different meanings. Don't let the 'dé-' prefix confuse you.
Using 'débourser' for receiving money. → J'ai encaissé mon chèque.
Débourser is only for money going OUT. For money coming IN, use 'encaisser' or 'percevoir'.
Overusing 'débourser' for small items. → J'ai payé mon café.
Using 'débourser' for a coffee sounds overly dramatic or formal. Save it for more significant expenses.

نصائح

Think of the Purse

Always remember the root 'bourse'. If the action feels like taking money out of a purse, 'débourser' is the perfect word to use.

Regular Conjugation

Don't stress about the conjugation! It follows the simplest pattern in French (-er verbs), so you can focus on using it in the right context.

Synonym Nuance

Use 'débourser' for specific amounts. If you don't mention the amount, 'payer' or 'dépenser' might be more natural unless the context is very formal.

Business French

In a business setting, use 'débourser' to talk about capital outflows. It sounds much more professional than saying 'donner de l'argent'.

Out of Pocket

Memorize 'débourser de sa poche'. It's a very common phrase that will make you sound like a native speaker when discussing unexpected costs.

News Keywords

When listening to French news, 'débourser' is a signal that they are talking about government budgets or large corporate deals. Pay attention to the numbers that follow.

Formal Letters

If you are writing to a company to ask for a refund, mention the amount you 'déboursé' to sound serious and precise about your claim.

Avoid Slang in Formal Settings

While 'raquer' is a synonym, never use it in a professional email. Stick to 'débourser' or 'régler' to maintain a good impression.

Compare with English

Think of 'débourser' as 'disburse'. If you would use 'disburse' or 'pay out' in English, 'débourser' is likely the correct choice in French.

Daily Budget

Try to keep a mental note of your daily expenses in French using this word. 'Aujourd'hui, j'ai déboursé 15 euros pour mon déjeuner.'

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'DE-PURSE-ing'. You are taking money 'DE' (away) from your 'PURSE' (bourse).

ربط بصري

Imagine a giant leather purse being emptied onto a table to pay a bill. The coins falling out are the 'déboursement'.

Word Web

Argent Paiement Banque Facture Bourse Achat Investissement Dépense

تحدٍّ

Try to write three sentences about things you had to 'débourser' for this month. One for a bill, one for food, and one for fun.

أصل الكلمة

The word 'débourser' appeared in Middle French around the 14th century. It is formed from the prefix 'dé-' (expressing removal or taking out) and the noun 'bourse' (purse).

المعنى الأصلي: To take money out of a purse to pay for something.

Romance (Latin root 'bursa' via French).

السياق الثقافي

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that talking about large sums of money can be a sensitive topic in French social etiquette.

English speakers often use 'shell out' or 'fork over' for the more reluctant side of 'débourser', while 'disburse' is used in corporate settings.

Commonly found in 'Le Monde' and 'Les Échos' financial sections. Used in classic French literature when characters discuss inheritances and debts. Frequent in French consumer rights TV shows like 'Ça peut vous arriver'.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Real Estate

débourser l'apport personnel
débourser les frais de notaire
débourser pour les travaux
débourser la caution

Professional/Business

débourser le capital social
débourser les dividendes
débourser les frais de mission
débourser pour l'équipement

Personal Finance

débourser ses économies
débourser de sa poche
débourser une fortune
débourser sans réfléchir

Legal/Administrative

débourser une amende
débourser les taxes
débourser les indemnités
débourser les frais de justice

Travel

débourser pour les visas
débourser pour l'assurance voyage
débourser en monnaie locale
débourser pour le surclassement

بدايات محادثة

"Quelle est la plus grosse somme que tu as dû débourser cette année ?"

"Est-ce que tu préfères débourser tout d'un coup ou payer par tranches ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il faille débourser plus pour l'éducation nationale ?"

"As-tu déjà dû débourser de ta poche pour un problème au travail ?"

"Combien serais-tu prêt à débourser pour ton voyage de rêve ?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Décrivez une situation où vous avez dû débourser une somme imprévue. Comment vous êtes-vous senti ?

Réfléchissez à l'importance de débourser pour des expériences plutôt que pour des objets matériels.

Si vous aviez un million d'euros à débourser pour une cause caritative, laquelle choisiriez-vous ?

Analysez les frais que les étudiants doivent débourser pour leurs études dans votre pays.

Écrivez sur une fois où vous avez refusé de débourser pour quelque chose que vous jugiez trop cher.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, 'débourser' is more formal and precise. It is used when discussing specific sums of money or official expenses. You would use 'payer' for buying a coffee, but 'débourser' for paying a lawyer's fee or a large investment.

No, 'débourser' is exclusively for money. If you want to talk about spending time or energy, you should use 'dépenser' or 'consacrer'. For example, 'J'ai consacré trois heures à ce travail' is correct, but 'J'ai déboursé trois heures' is wrong.

It means to pay for something with your own personal money, often when you expected someone else (like a company or insurance) to pay. It emphasizes the personal financial loss or effort. Example: 'Le bureau n'avait plus de stylos, j'ai dû en débourser de ma poche.'

Yes, there are two: 'débours' and 'déboursement'. 'Débours' is often used in the plural ('les débours') in legal contexts to mean expenses incurred. 'Déboursement' refers to the act of paying out money.

Use 'raquer' only in very informal settings with friends when you want to express that a payment was annoying, unfair, or way too expensive. 'Débourser' is the professional and neutral version of this concept.

Yes, 'être déboursé' is used in financial reports to indicate that funds have been released. For example, 'Les fonds ont été déboursés par la banque centrale ce matin.'

Usually, yes. You 'débourser' a sum of money. However, it can be used absolutely in some contexts, like 'Il faut débourser pour obtenir de la qualité', meaning 'You have to pay out [money] to get quality.'

It is moderately common. You'll hear it when people talk about their taxes, house purchases, or car repairs. It's not as frequent as 'payer', but every B2 speaker should know it.

'Décaisser' is a more technical accounting term meaning to take money out of a 'caisse' (cash box/fund). 'Débourser' is the more general and common term for the same action.

It is a regular -er verb, so it uses 'avoir' in the passé composé: 'J'ai déboursé', 'Tu as déboursé', 'Il a déboursé', etc.

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