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A2 noun 12 min de lectura

débit

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos débit en 30 segundos

Explicación débit in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know débit in the context of money and shopping. When you use a bank card in France, you might see the word 'débit' on the screen or on your receipt. It simply means that money is being taken out of your account. You might also hear it in the phrase 'carte de débit' (debit card), which is used to pay for things at the grocery store or a café. Think of it as the opposite of 'crédit'. If you go to a 'débit de tabac' (a small shop that sells cigarettes and stamps), you are seeing the word used as a name for a type of shop. At this level, don't worry about the technical meanings like water flow or internet speed. Just remember: débit = money going out or a specific type of small shop. You can practice by looking at a French bank statement and finding the 'débit' column, which lists all your purchases and bills. It is a masculine noun, so we say 'le débit'.

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At the A2 level, you can expand your use of débit to talk about technology and everyday services. The most common phrase you will use is débit internet. If your internet is slow at your hotel or apartment, you can say, 'Le débit est très faible' (The speed is very low). You will also start to see it used with water. For example, in a shower, you might want a 'fort débit d'eau' (strong water flow). You are moving from just seeing the word on a receipt to using it to describe the quality of a service. You should also be aware of 'débit de boissons', which is a formal way to say a bar or pub. If you are reading a simple news story about a storm, you might see 'le débit de la rivière', meaning the river is flowing very fast. Remember that débit always measures how much of something is happening per second or per minute. It is a very useful word for giving feedback on your internet connection or the plumbing in your house.

By B1, you should be comfortable using débit in more descriptive ways, particularly regarding speech and professional contexts. You might describe a person's débit de paroles. If someone speaks too fast for you to understand, you could say, 'Son débit est trop rapide pour moi'. In a work environment, you might discuss the débit de production (production output) of a machine or a team. You are now using the word to analyze efficiency and performance. You should also understand the difference between 'débit immédiat' (money taken out now) and 'débit différé' (money taken out later, like a credit card) when talking about bank accounts. You might encounter the word in medical contexts, like 'débit cardiaque' (heart rate/output), if you are reading health articles. At this level, you start to see the common thread: débit is a technical measurement of a stream, whether that stream is made of money, water, data, or words. You can use adjectives like 'fluide', 'saccadé', 'constant', or 'irrégulier' to describe different types of débit.

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At the B2 level, you use débit with precision in technical, environmental, and economic discussions. You can talk about 'le débit binaire' (bitrate) when discussing video quality or 'le débit massique' (mass flow rate) in a science context. You understand that débit is a key indicator in hydrology; for instance, you can discuss how a dam manages its débit to prevent floods. In business, you might use it metaphorically to describe the 'débit' of customers in a store—how many people are served per hour. You are also expected to use the verb débiter correctly, not just to mean 'to debit an account', but also 'to saw/cut up' (like 'débiter du bois' - to saw wood) or 'to reel off' (like 'débiter des mensonges' - to reel off lies). This level requires you to understand the nuances between débit and similar words like flux or cadence. You should be able to write a report or give a presentation where you analyze the débit of a system and suggest improvements to increase its efficiency.

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At C1, your understanding of débit reaches a sophisticated level where you can use it in literary analysis and complex socio-economic arguments. You might analyze a writer's prose by discussing their 'débit oratoire' or the 'débit de la narration', looking at how the pace of the words affects the reader's experience. You can use the word in abstract contexts, such as the 'débit d'informations' in the age of social media, discussing the overwhelming rate at which we consume data. In a legal or administrative setting, you understand the deep historical roots of terms like 'débit de tabac' and the regulations surrounding them. You are comfortable with idiomatic uses, such as 'débiter des âneries' (to talk nonsense). Your vocabulary is rich enough to distinguish between the physical débit of a fluid and the abstract débit of an economic market. You can participate in high-level debates about infrastructure, where 'débit' is a crucial metric for evaluating the capacity of transport networks or energy grids. You see débit as a fundamental concept of modern life—the measurement of the frantic pace of the 21st century.

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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word débit and its most subtle connotations. You can use it with poetic flair or scientific rigor. You might use it to describe the 'débit de la pensée' (the flow of thought) in a philosophical essay, or the 'débit d'un poème' when discussing its meter and breath. You are aware of the word's evolution from the Latin 'debitum' and how its meaning shifted from 'what is owed' to 'what is sold' and finally to 'rate of flow'. You can use the word in highly specialized fields, such as fluid dynamics, macroeconomics, or neuro-linguistics, without hesitation. You might use it ironically or metaphorically in a political critique, talking about the 'débit de promesses' (the flow of promises) from a candidate. Your use of débit is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker; you know exactly when it adds a touch of technical authority and when it provides a precise rhythmic description. You can navigate the most complex bank contracts or scientific papers where débit is a central term, understanding every implication of its usage.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

débit en 30 segundos

Débit means the rate of flow for water, gas, or internet data.
It refers to a sum of money taken out of a bank account (debit).
It describes the speed or cadence of a person's speech.
It identifies a retail outlet, like a 'débit de tabac' or 'débit de boissons'.

The French word débit is a remarkably versatile noun that English speakers often find fascinating because it bridges the worlds of finance, physics, technology, and linguistics. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the rate of flow or the output of something over a specific period. Whether you are discussing the amount of water rushing through a dam, the speed of your fiber-optic internet connection, or the rapid-fire delivery of a comedian's jokes, you are dealing with the concept of débit.

Financial Context: In accounting and banking, débit refers to a sum of money taken out of an account. It is the direct counterpart to crédit. When you use your carte de débit, the transaction is recorded on the left side of the ledger, representing an outflow of resources. This usage is the most direct cognate to the English word 'debit'.

Le débit de cette rivière a considérablement augmenté après les fortes pluies d'hier soir.

Technical and Physical Context: In engineering and hydraulics, débit measures the volume of fluid passing through a given cross-section per unit of time. For example, a faucet might have a débit of ten liters per minute. In the digital age, this has evolved to describe data transmission rates. When a French person complains about their débit internet, they are talking about their bandwidth or download speed.

Linguistic Context: When describing speech, débit refers to the pace or cadence of a speaker. A débit rapide suggests someone who speaks very quickly, perhaps out of nervousness or excitement, while a débit lent might describe a more measured, thoughtful, or even sluggish way of talking.

L'orateur avait un débit si rapide qu'il était difficile pour l'interprète de tout traduire en temps réel.

Furthermore, the word appears in the phrase débit de boissons (a licensed premises or bar) or débit de tabac (a tobacconist). In these historical contexts, it refers to the 'outlet' or the place where goods are 'flowed out' or sold to the public. Understanding this word requires looking past the simple financial definition and seeing the broader concept of movement and quantity over time. It is a word that captures the pulse of a system, whether that system is biological, mechanical, or economic.

Ma connexion fibre offre un débit descendant de un gigabit par seconde, ce qui est idéal pour le télétravail.

Le médecin a remarqué que le débit sanguin du patient était redevenu normal après l'intervention chirurgicale.

In summary, débit is about the rhythm of exchange. From the débit cardiaque (cardiac output) in medicine to the débit binaire (bitrate) in computing, it is an essential term for anyone looking to describe how things move through the world. It is not just about 'owing' or 'deducting', but about the vigorous, measurable stream of life, commerce, and communication.

Using débit correctly depends heavily on the context of the 'flow' you are describing. It is a masculine noun, so it is always preceded by le, un, or du. When you are talking about a physical substance like water or gas, débit is often followed by the preposition de and the substance name.

Describing Physical Flow: To describe a high or low flow, use the adjectives fort (strong) or faible (weak). For example, 'un débit d'eau très fort' means a very strong water flow. You can also use élevé (high) or réduit (reduced).

Veuillez vérifier le débit de gaz avant d'allumer la chaudière pour éviter tout accident.

Financial Transactions: In a bank, you will often hear the verb débiter (to debit). The noun débit appears on bank statements. If you see 'avis de débit', it is a notification that money has been taken from your account. 'Date de débit' is the date the transaction was processed.

Le débit de cinquante euros correspondant à votre abonnement sera effectué le cinq du mois.

Communication and Media: In the world of technology, débit is central to discussing internet quality. You will hear terms like haut débit (broadband/high speed) and bas débit (dial-up/low speed). If your video is buffering, you might say, 'Le débit est trop lent pour regarder ce film en haute définition'.

Avec l'arrivée de la 5G, le débit mobile a atteint des sommets jamais vus auparavant.

In literary or rhetorical contexts, débit describes the flow of words. A speaker with a débit saccadé speaks in a jerky or fragmented way. Conversely, a débit fluide indicates a smooth, natural flow of speech. This is a common way to critique performances or public speaking engagements.

L'acteur a travaillé son débit pour que chaque mot soit parfaitement audible au fond de la salle.

Il y a un petit débit de boissons juste à côté de la gare où nous pouvons attendre le train.

To master this word, practice using it with different modifiers. A 'débit de production' refers to the manufacturing output of a factory. A 'débit de filtration' refers to how fast a filter works. The common thread is always the measurement of volume or quantity over a duration of time. By internalizing this 'rate' concept, you will find débit appearing in almost every technical or administrative conversation you have in French.

You will encounter the word débit in several distinct real-world environments in France and other French-speaking countries. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word instantly when it is spoken at a natural, native speed.

At the Bank and Shopping: This is perhaps the most common daily encounter. When you pay by card, the terminal might display 'Débit en cours' (Processing debit). If you check your banking app, your transactions are categorized under 'Débits' (Outgoings) and 'Crédits' (Incomings). A bank advisor might ask, 'Souhaitez-vous un débit immédiat ou un débit différé ?' (Would you like an immediate or deferred debit?).

J'ai remarqué un débit inconnu sur mon relevé bancaire, je dois appeler la banque immédiatement.

Technical Support and IT: If you call your internet service provider (like Orange, Free, or SFR) because your Wi-Fi is slow, the technician will inevitably ask about your débit. They might say, 'On va tester votre débit montant et votre débit descendant' (We are going to test your upload speed and download speed). In advertising, you will see 'Haut Débit' (High Speed/Broadband) everywhere.

Weather and Environmental Reports: During the news, especially after heavy rain, meteorologists and news anchors will discuss the débit des fleuves. They use this to warn about potential flooding. You might hear, 'Le débit de la Seine a atteint un niveau critique' (The flow of the Seine has reached a critical level). This is vital information for residents in flood zones.

Les ingénieurs surveillent le débit du barrage pour prévenir tout risque de débordement pendant la tempête.

In medical settings, doctors use the term to discuss organ function. Débit urinaire (urine output) or débit respiratoire (breathing rate) are standard clinical terms. If you are watching a medical drama in French, or visiting a hospital, these terms will appear frequently on monitors and in consultations.

Le cardiologue a mesuré le débit systolique pour évaluer la force du muscle cardiaque du patient.

Finally, in the academic or professional world, débit is used to critique presentations. A teacher might tell a student, 'Ton débit est un peu trop rapide, essaie de faire des pauses entre les phrases' (Your speaking rate is a bit too fast, try to pause between sentences). This usage highlights the rhythmic quality of the word. Whether it is the flow of money, the flow of water, the flow of data, or the flow of speech, débit is the metric of choice for French speakers measuring the passage of quantity over time.

Le débit de paroles de cet avocat est impressionnant lors de ses plaidoiries au tribunal.

Even though débit has a direct English cognate, there are several pitfalls that English speakers should avoid to ensure they sound natural and are understood correctly in French.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Débit' with 'Dette': In English, 'debit' and 'debt' are related but distinct. In French, débit is the transaction or the flow, while dette is the actual amount of money owed. Do not say 'J'ai un gros débit' if you mean 'I have a big debt'. Instead, say 'J'ai une grosse dette'. 'Un gros débit' would mean you have a lot of money flowing out of your account constantly, or perhaps you are speaking very fast!

Attention : ne confondez pas le débit (le flux) avec la dette (ce que vous devez au total).

Mistake 2: Using 'Débit' for 'Vitesse' in All Contexts: While débit often translates to 'speed' in the context of internet or speech, it is not a general synonym for vitesse. You cannot use débit to describe how fast a car is driving. Use vitesse for physical movement through space. Use débit for volume passing through a point. A car has vitesse, but a highway has débit (the number of cars passing per hour).

Mistake 3: Misunderstanding 'Débit de boissons': English speakers often think this phrase means 'drinking speed'. It does not. It is a legal and administrative term for a bar, café, or any establishment authorized to sell alcohol. If you see this on a sign, it is identifying the type of business license, not commenting on how fast the patrons drink.

L'ouverture d'un nouveau débit de boissons nécessite une licence spécifique de la part de la mairie.

Another common error is gender. Because many words ending in '-it' or '-is' can be tricky, some learners mistakenly use 'la débit'. It is strictly masculine: le débit. Using the wrong gender can lead to confusion, especially in professional or technical settings where precision is key.

Vérifiez bien le débit de votre pompe à eau pour vous assurer qu'elle fonctionne correctement.

Lastly, in accounting, beginners sometimes confuse débit (debit) with dépense (expense). While a debit often records an expense, they are not synonyms. A debit can also record an increase in assets or a decrease in liabilities. Stick to débit when discussing the technical entry in the accounts and dépense when talking about spending money generally.

Chaque débit sur ce compte doit être justifié par une facture originale pour la comptabilité.

To enrich your French vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that overlap with débit but carry different nuances. Depending on whether you are talking about physics, finance, or speech, you might choose one of these alternatives.

Flux vs. Débit: Flux is more general and often refers to the movement itself, whereas débit focuses on the measurable rate. You might talk about the 'flux migratoire' (migratory flow) but use 'débit' to measure the number of people per month. Flux feels more continuous and abstract, while débit feels more technical and quantifiable.

Le flux de passagers est constant, mais le débit aux guichets est trop lent.

Cadence vs. Débit: When talking about work or speech, cadence refers to the rhythm or tempo. If a factory worker is working fast, they have a 'cadence soutenue'. Débit would refer to the final output (items per hour). In music or dance, you would always use cadence or rythme, never débit.

La cadence de production a augmenté, ce qui a permis d'améliorer le débit global de l'usine.

Écoulement vs. Débit: In physics and hydraulics, écoulement refers to the act of flowing or the way something flows (e.g., 'écoulement turbulent' vs 'écoulement laminaire'). Débit is the measurement of that flow. If a pipe is leaking, the écoulement is the leak itself, and the débit is how many liters are being lost per hour.

L'écoulement de l'eau est fluide, et le débit reste stable tout au long de la journée.

In commercial terms, you might hear chiffre d'affaires (turnover). While débit can refer to the 'output' of sales in a very technical sense, chiffre d'affaires is the standard term for the total money a business brings in. Use débit when you want to emphasize the speed or volume of transactions, but use chiffre d'affaires for the financial result.

Ce magasin a un gros débit de marchandises, ce qui explique son excellent chiffre d'affaires.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The meaning shifted in the 13th century from 'debt' to 'the sale of goods', and then in the 18th century to the 'rate of flow' of a fluid.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /de.bi/

US /de.bi/

The stress in French is usually on the final syllable, but it is very subtle in 'débit'.

Rima con

habit subit établit conduit produit réduit poursuit nuit

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 't'. In French, the 't' in 'débit' is always silent.
Using an English 'd' sound. Try to place your tongue against your teeth for a softer French 'd'.
Making the 'é' sound like 'eh'. It should be a crisp 'ay' sound as in 'day'.
Confusing it with the English pronunciation of 'debit' (deb-it).
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'debit'.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowledge of gender and specific collocations like 'de paroles'.

Expresión oral 3/5

Must remember to keep the 't' silent and use it in non-financial contexts.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to pick out in technical or financial talk.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

argent eau vitesse banque parler

Aprende después

flux cadence prélèvement virement écoulement

Avanzado

étiage systolique binaire massique percolation

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in '-it' are usually masculine.

Le débit, le profit, le crédit.

The preposition 'de' is used to link 'débit' with the substance flowing.

Un débit d'eau, un débit de paroles.

Silent final consonants in French nouns.

The 't' in 'débit' is silent.

Adjective agreement with masculine nouns.

Un débit rapide (not rapidee).

Using 'faire' or 'effectuer' with financial transactions.

Effectuer un débit.

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Ejemplos por nivel

J'ai une carte de débit.

I have a debit card.

Uses 'de' to link the noun 'carte' with the type 'débit'.

Le débit est sur mon reçu.

The debit is on my receipt.

The word 'débit' acts as a masculine noun here.

Où est le débit de tabac ?

Where is the tobacco shop?

A fixed phrase for a specific type of shop.

Il y a un débit de boissons ici.

There is a bar here.

Formal term for a place serving drinks.

Le débit est de dix euros.

The debit is ten euros.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

C'est un débit, pas un crédit.

It is a debit, not a credit.

Contrasting two financial terms.

Je vois le débit sur mon téléphone.

I see the debit on my phone.

Direct object of the verb 'voir'.

Le débit est automatique.

The debit is automatic.

Adjective 'automatique' agrees with masculine 'débit'.

Mon débit internet est très lent aujourd'hui.

My internet speed is very slow today.

Common usage for bandwidth/speed.

Le débit de la douche est faible.

The shower's water flow is weak.

Refers to physical volume of water.

Nous avons besoin d'un plus gros débit.

We need a higher flow rate.

Using 'gros' to describe volume.

Le débit de cette rivière est dangereux.

The flow of this river is dangerous.

Subject of the sentence.

Vérifiez le débit de votre connexion.

Check your connection speed.

Imperative form of the verb 'vérifier'.

Le débit est de cent mégabits par seconde.

The speed is one hundred megabits per second.

Technical measurement unit.

Il parle avec un débit très rapide.

He speaks with a very fast rate.

Refers to speech cadence.

Le débit de la pompe est réglable.

The pump's flow rate is adjustable.

Adjective 'réglable' describes the noun.

Son débit de paroles a fatigué tout le monde.

His rapid speech tired everyone out.

Noun phrase 'débit de paroles'.

Le débit sanguin doit être surveillé après l'opération.

The blood flow must be monitored after the operation.

Medical adjective 'sanguin' modifying 'débit'.

La banque a effectué un débit par erreur.

The bank made a debit by mistake.

Using 'effectuer' (to carry out) with 'débit'.

Le débit de cette usine est impressionnant.

The output of this factory is impressive.

Refers to production volume.

Il faut augmenter le débit d'air dans la pièce.

The airflow in the room needs to be increased.

Refers to gas/air movement.

Le débit de la source a diminué cet été.

The spring's flow has decreased this summer.

Past tense verb 'a diminué'.

La vidéo saccade à cause d'un faible débit.

The video is stuttering because of low bandwidth.

Expressing cause with 'à cause de'.

Le débit de boissons est ouvert jusqu'à minuit.

The bar is open until midnight.

Administrative term for a licensed venue.

Le débit binaire influe sur la qualité de l'image.

The bitrate affects the image quality.

Technical term 'débit binaire'.

L'ingénieur calcule le débit massique du fluide.

The engineer is calculating the mass flow rate of the fluid.

Scientific context.

Son débit oratoire est parfaitement maîtrisé.

His public speaking delivery is perfectly controlled.

Formal adjective 'oratoire'.

Le débit différé permet de mieux gérer son budget.

Deferred debit allows for better budget management.

Banking term 'débit différé'.

Le débit de crue a dépassé toutes les prévisions.

The flood flow rate exceeded all forecasts.

Environmental/Hydrology term.

Le débit de filtration est devenu trop lent.

The filtration rate has become too slow.

Process engineering context.

Il passe son temps à débiter des absurdités.

He spends his time reeling off absurdities.

Using the verb 'débiter' figuratively.

Le débit de vapeur est régulé par cette vanne.

The steam flow is regulated by this valve.

Passive voice construction.

La fluidité de son débit cache un manque de fond.

The smoothness of his delivery hides a lack of substance.

Abstract rhetorical analysis.

Le débit de données sature les serveurs de l'entreprise.

The data throughput is saturating the company's servers.

IT infrastructure context.

L'auteur adopte un débit saccadé pour créer une tension.

The author adopts a jerky pace to create tension.

Literary criticism.

Le débit d'étiage de la rivière inquiète les agriculteurs.

The low-water flow of the river worries the farmers.

Specific hydrological term 'débit d'étiage'.

On assiste à un débit incessant de critiques négatives.

We are witnessing an incessant flow of negative criticism.

Metaphorical usage.

Le débit de doses radioactives doit être mesuré précisément.

The dose rate of radioactivity must be measured precisely.

Physics/Safety context.

Son débit verbal trahit une grande nervosité.

His verbal delivery betrays great nervousness.

Psychological observation.

Le débit de renouvellement de l'air est insuffisant ici.

The air renewal rate is insufficient here.

Health and safety regulation context.

L'herméneutique du texte s'appuie sur le débit narratif.

The hermeneutics of the text relies on the narrative flow.

High-level academic analysis.

Le débit de percolation dépend de la porosité du sol.

The percolation rate depends on the soil's porosity.

Geological/Scientific precision.

Il débite son texte avec une monotonie désarmante.

He delivers his text with a disarming monotony.

Verb usage in a nuanced critique.

Le débit d'absorption spécifique est une norme cruciale.

The specific absorption rate is a crucial standard.

Technical regulatory term (SAR).

La sténose réduit drastiquement le débit carotidien.

The stenosis drastically reduces carotid flow.

Advanced medical terminology.

Ce débit de sottises finit par lasser l'auditoire.

This stream of nonsense ends up wearying the audience.

Idiomatic and sophisticated phrasing.

Le débit de filtration glomérulaire évalue la fonction rénale.

The glomerular filtration rate evaluates kidney function.

Highly specialized medical term.

Le débit de fuite est resté dans les limites admissibles.

The leakage rate remained within the permissible limits.

Engineering safety report language.

Colocaciones comunes

débit internet

débit d'eau

débit de paroles

débit de boissons

débit cardiaque

débit binaire

débit de tabac

débit différé

débit de crue

débit de production

Frases Comunes

Haut débit

— Refers to high-speed internet or broadband. It is a standard term in French telecommunications.

Le gouvernement veut généraliser le haut débit en zone rurale.

Bas débit

— Refers to low-speed internet, typically dial-up or a throttled connection.

Avec un bas débit, il est impossible de regarder des vidéos.

Avis de débit

— A formal notification from a bank that a sum has been deducted from an account.

J'ai reçu un avis de débit pour mes impôts.

Débit immédiat

— A type of bank card where money is taken out of the account instantly after a purchase.

Je préfère les cartes à débit immédiat pour mieux suivre mes dépenses.

Débit d'air

— The rate at which air is moved by a fan or ventilation system.

Le débit d'air de la climatisation est trop bruyant.

Débit massique

— A technical term for the mass of a substance passing through a point per unit of time.

Le débit massique est exprimé en kilogrammes par seconde.

Débit volumique

— The volume of fluid passing through a point per unit of time.

Le débit volumique est essentiel pour dimensionner les tuyaux.

Débit descendant

— Download speed in internet terminology.

Quel est votre débit descendant réel ?

Débit montant

— Upload speed in internet terminology.

Le débit montant est important pour les appels vidéo.

Débit de filtration

— The speed at which a liquid passes through a filter.

Le débit de filtration de la piscine doit être vérifié.

Se confunde a menudo con

débit vs dette

A 'dette' is the total amount owed; 'débit' is the specific act of taking money out or the flow.

débit vs vitesse

Use 'vitesse' for how fast an object moves, 'débit' for how much passes through a point.

débit vs flux

'Flux' is the general movement; 'débit' is the precise, measurable rate.

Modismos y expresiones

"Débiter des âneries"

— To talk nonsense or say stupid things repeatedly and quickly.

Arrête de débiter des âneries et écoute-moi !

informal

"Débiter son texte"

— To recite a text or a speech in a mechanical, fast, or emotionless way.

L'élève a débité son texte sans comprendre un mot.

neutral

"Débiter des mensonges"

— To tell a series of lies one after another.

Il a débité des mensonges pendant toute l'interview.

neutral

"Avoir un débit de mitraillette"

— To speak extremely fast, like a machine gun.

Quand elle est stressée, elle a un débit de mitraillette.

informal

"Débiter quelqu'un"

— In a very specific slang context, to criticize or 'cut someone down' verbally.

Ils ont passé la soirée à débiter leur voisin.

slang

"Débiter du bois"

— Literally to saw wood into smaller pieces, but can metaphorically mean doing hard, repetitive work.

Il a passé la matinée à débiter du bois pour l'hiver.

neutral

"Vendre au débit"

— To sell goods in small quantities or by retail (old-fashioned).

Ce marchand vendait autrefois du sel au débit.

literary

"Mettre au débit de quelqu'un"

— To charge something to someone's account or to blame them for something.

On peut mettre cette erreur au débit du stagiaire.

formal

"Un débit de paroles"

— A continuous stream of words, often used when describing someone who talks a lot.

Son débit de paroles est épuisant pour ses collègues.

neutral

"Couper le débit"

— To stop the flow of something (water, gas, or metaphorically, talk).

Coupe le débit, on ne s'entend plus parler !

informal

Fácil de confundir

débit vs débiter

It has multiple meanings (financial, physical, linguistic).

As a verb, it can mean to charge an account, to saw wood, or to talk nonsense. The noun 'débit' covers the results of these actions.

Il débite (verbs) des mensonges avec un débit (noun) rapide.

débit vs crédit

Opposite of debit.

Crédit adds money; débit takes it away. In accounting, they are the two essential columns.

Le débit est à gauche, le crédit est à droite.

débit vs dépense

Both involve losing money.

Dépense is general spending; débit is the technical banking term for the deduction.

Cette dépense apparaît comme un débit sur mon relevé.

débit vs cadence

Both relate to speed.

Cadence is the rhythm of repetitive actions; débit is the volume of output.

La cadence des machines détermine le débit de l'usine.

débit vs débitage

Similar root.

Débitage is specifically the industrial act of cutting up materials (wood, stone).

Le débitage des troncs d'arbres prend du temps.

Patrones de oraciones

C'est un débit de [amount].

C'est un débit de vingt euros.

Le débit est [adjective].

Le débit est trop lent.

Augmenter le débit de [noun].

Il faut augmenter le débit de l'eau.

Un débit de [noun] [adjective].

Un débit de paroles incessant.

Le débit de [noun] influe sur [noun].

Le débit binaire influe sur la résolution.

Sous l'effet de [noun], le débit [verb].

Sous l'effet de la pression, le débit s'accélère.

Vérifier le débit de [noun].

Vérifier le débit de la connexion.

Effectuer un débit sur [noun].

Effectuer un débit sur mon compte.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

débiteur (debtor)

débitrice (female debtor)

débitage (the act of cutting up/sawing)

Verbos

débiter (to debit, to saw, to reel off)

Adjetivos

débiteur (indebted)

Relacionado

dette (debt)

crédit (credit)

flux (flow)

vitesse (speed)

cadence (rhythm)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in banking and technology; high in daily life (shops); medium in literature.

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 't' at the end of 'débit'. → Pronounce it as /de.bi/ (day-bee).
In French, final consonants like 't' are usually silent unless followed by an 'e'. Saying 'debit' with a 't' sounds like English.
Using 'débit' to mean 'debt'. → Use 'dette' for the money you owe.
While related, 'débit' is the transaction or the flow, while 'dette' is the actual state of owing money.
Saying 'la débit'. → Say 'le débit'.
Débit is a masculine noun. Using the wrong gender is a common error for beginners.
Using 'débit' for a car's speed. → Use 'vitesse' for a car's speed.
Débit is for volume over time (like traffic flow), whereas vitesse is for distance over time (like a single car's speed).
Confusing 'débit' with 'dépense' in accounting. → Use 'débit' for the ledger entry and 'dépense' for the act of spending.
They are technical terms with specific meanings in finance that shouldn't be swapped carelessly.

Consejos

Think Flow, Not Just Money

To master 'débit', stop thinking of it as just a bank term. Always visualize a stream of something—water, data, or words—passing through a point.

The Silent T

Always remember the final 't' is silent. Practice saying 'débi' to avoid the common English-speaker error of saying 'debit'.

Internet Talk

When complaining about slow Wi-Fi, use 'débit' instead of 'vitesse' to sound more natural. 'J'ai un mauvais débit' is very common.

Masculine Gender

Associate 'débit' with 'le'. 'Le débit' should be learned as a single unit to ensure you always use the correct gender.

Spot the Carotte

Look for the red diamond signs in France; they mark 'débits de tabac'. It's a great real-world way to remember the word.

Check Your Receipt

Next time you buy something in France, look for 'Débit' on the card receipt. It's an easy way to see the word in a functional context.

Donkey Talk

Learn 'débiter des âneries'. It's a fun, common idiom that will make your French sound much more expressive and native-like.

Technical Precision

In professional or scientific writing, 'débit' is much more precise than 'vitesse' when discussing systems and throughput.

Bitrate Connection

If you know the word 'bitrate' in English, just remember that 'débit' is the French equivalent for any kind of 'rate'.

News Keywords

Listen for 'débit' during weather reports. It's a key word for understanding flood warnings and river conditions.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Debit' and 'Bitrate'. Both measure how much is moving (money or bits) through a point.

Asociación visual

Imagine a water pipe with a meter on it. The meter shows the 'débit'. Now imagine that meter on your bank account or your internet cable.

Word Web

Argent Eau Internet Parole Flux Banque Vitesse Mesure

Desafío

Try to use 'débit' in three different contexts today: once for your internet speed, once for a bank transaction, and once for how fast someone is talking.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Latin word 'debitum', which is the past participle of 'debere' (to owe).

Significado original: Something that is owed or a debt.

Romance (Latin)

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but 'débit de boissons' is a formal administrative term; calling a friend's house a 'débit de boissons' would be a joke about their alcohol supply.

In English, 'debit' is almost exclusively financial. In French, it is much broader, covering physics and linguistics.

The 'débit de tabac' in the film 'Amélie'. Technical reports on the 'débit de la Seine' during the Great Flood of 1910. The 'débit oratoire' of famous French politicians like Charles de Gaulle.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Banking

Carte de débit
Avis de débit
Débit immédiat
Débit différé

Internet/IT

Haut débit
Débit descendant
Débit montant
Débit binaire

Hydraulics/Nature

Débit de la rivière
Débit d'eau
Débit de crue
Débit de fuite

Public Speaking

Débit de paroles
Débit oratoire
Débit rapide
Débit saccadé

Medicine

Débit cardiaque
Débit sanguin
Débit urinaire
Débit respiratoire

Inicios de conversación

"Quel est le débit de ta connexion internet chez toi ?"

"Est-ce que tu préfères une carte à débit immédiat ou différé ?"

"Trouves-tu que les Français ont un débit de paroles trop rapide ?"

"As-tu déjà vu le débit de la Seine pendant une inondation ?"

"Comment peut-on améliorer le débit de production dans cette équipe ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez une situation où vous avez été impressionné par le débit de paroles d'une personne.

Pourquoi est-il important d'avoir un bon débit internet pour votre travail ou vos loisirs ?

Expliquez la différence entre un débit et un crédit sur votre compte bancaire.

Imaginez que vous êtes ingénieur : comment contrôleriez-vous le débit d'un barrage ?

Réfléchissez à votre propre débit quand vous parlez français : est-il lent ou rapide ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, while it is used in banking to mean a deduction, it much more commonly refers to the 'rate of flow' in French. You will hear it used for internet speed, water flow, and even how fast someone speaks. In the digital age, 'débit internet' is perhaps its most frequent use.

No, the 't' is silent. It is pronounced like 'day-bee'. This is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to the hard 't' in the English word 'debit'. Pronouncing the 't' will make you sound non-native.

It is a specialized shop in France licensed to sell tobacco products. They are often combined with newsstands or small cafés and are a staple of French villages and city street corners, marked by a red diamond sign.

The correct term is 'le haut débit'. If you are talking about fiber optics, you can say 'le très haut débit'. This is the standard terminology used by all internet service providers in France.

No, you should use 'vitesse' for the speed of a car. However, you can use 'débit' to talk about the number of cars passing on a highway per hour (traffic flow), which would be 'le débit de circulation'.

'Débit immédiat' means the money is taken from your bank account as soon as you make a purchase. 'Débit différé' means all your purchases are totaled and taken out once a month, similar to how a credit card works in the US or UK.

It is an idiom meaning 'to talk nonsense'. 'Âneries' comes from 'âne' (donkey), so you are literally 'reeling off donkey-like things'. It suggests someone is talking a lot without saying anything intelligent.

Doctors use it to measure the output of organs. For example, 'débit cardiaque' is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. It is a vital metric for assessing a patient's cardiovascular health.

It is a masculine noun: 'le débit'. Even though some learners might think it sounds feminine, it always takes masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'un débit rapide').

Not the volume (loudness), but the speed. If someone speaks very fast, they have a 'débit rapide'. If you want to talk about loudness, use the word 'volume' or 'intensité'.

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