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A2 noun 11 min de lectura

récompense

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos récompense en 30 segundos

Explicación récompense in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'récompense' is a useful word for talking about simple, everyday situations. It usually refers to a small gift or a treat given to someone, like a child or a pet, for doing something good. Beginners should focus on the basic structure: 'une récompense' (a reward). You can use it in simple sentences like 'C'est une récompense' (It is a reward) or 'Je donne une récompense au chien' (I give a reward to the dog). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex abstract meanings. Just think of it as a 'bonus' or a 'gift' for being good. It helps you understand the concept of positive reinforcement in French. You might see it in children's books or very basic stories where a character gets a prize for winning a game. Remember that it is a feminine word, so you always use 'la' or 'une'. Practice saying it with simple verbs like 'donner' (to give) and 'vouloir' (to want). For example, 'Tu veux une récompense ?' (Do you want a reward?). This makes the word practical and easy to remember in daily life contexts.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'récompense' in more varied contexts, such as school or simple work tasks. You should be able to explain *why* someone is getting a reward by using the preposition 'pour'. For example, 'Une récompense pour mon travail' (A reward for my work). You will encounter this word in descriptions of hobbies, sports, and family life. At this level, you should also recognize the verb form 'récompenser' (to reward). You might use it to talk about your past experiences, like 'Quand j'étais petit, j'ai reçu une récompense' (When I was little, I received a reward). You are beginning to understand that a reward can be something other than candy—it could be a medal, a certificate, or a day off. You can also start using simple adjectives with it, like 'une petite récompense' or 'une grande récompense'. It's a key word for discussing motivation and achievements in simple conversations. You might also see it in advertisements for loyalty cards at stores, which is a great way to see how the word is used in the real world.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'récompense' to discuss abstract concepts and social issues. You can talk about the 'récompense' of learning a language or the 'récompense' of helping others. At this stage, you can use more complex sentence structures, such as 'Il est important d'offrir une récompense pour encourager les efforts' (It is important to offer a reward to encourage effort). You should also be aware of the difference between 'récompense' and 'prix' or 'prime'. You can use the word in the context of professional development or personal growth. For example, discussing whether money is a good 'récompense' for students who get good grades. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'mériter' (to deserve) and 'reconnaissance' (recognition). You can participate in debates about the effectiveness of reward systems in education or at work. You will also start to notice the word in more formal texts, such as news articles about awards ceremonies or scientific discoveries. This is the level where you move beyond physical objects to the psychological idea of a reward.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'récompense' with nuance and precision. you understand its use in legal, scientific, and literary contexts. You can discuss 'le système de récompense' in the brain when talking about biology or psychology. You are able to use the word in idiomatic expressions and formal writing. For example, you might write an essay about whether 'la vertu est sa propre récompense' (virtue is its own reward) in modern society. You can handle complex grammar around the word, such as using it in the passive voice: 'Il a été récompensé pour ses efforts' (He was rewarded for his efforts). You understand the social implications of rewards and can discuss concepts like meritocracy. You can also use the word in professional settings to discuss incentive programs or 'politiques de récompense'. You are sensitive to the register of the word and can choose between 'récompense', 'gratification', and 'indemnisation' depending on the situation. Your ability to use the word in varied and complex sentences shows a high level of fluency and cultural understanding.

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At the C1 level, 'récompense' becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis and expression. You can explore the word's philosophical and ethical dimensions in depth. You might use it in a literary analysis to discuss the 'juste récompense' of a protagonist or in a political discussion about the 'récompenses' given to loyal supporters. You have a command of all the word's collocations and can use it naturally in high-level academic or professional discourse. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its connection to concepts of justice and reciprocity. You can use the word to describe complex emotional states, such as the 'récompense' of a long-term commitment or the lack of 'récompense' in an unfair system. Your writing is enriched by using the word in varied structures, such as 'En récompense de ses loyaux services...' or 'La récompense ne fut pas à la hauteur du sacrifice.' You can also identify and use synonyms like 'rétribution' or 'compensation' with perfect accuracy. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a concept you can manipulate to express subtle ideas about human nature and society.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like mastery of 'récompense'. You can use it in the most formal and specialized contexts, from legal contracts to philosophical treatises. You are aware of the word's subtle connotations in different French-speaking cultures and can use it to evoke specific emotional responses. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it metaphorically or ironically. You understand the nuance between 'récompense' as a positive outcome and its rare use in older texts to mean 'punishment' or 'payback' (though this is mostly historical). You can engage in high-level debates about the 'économie de la récompense' or the role of rewards in human evolution. Your use of the word is seamless, and you can transition between its concrete and abstract meanings effortlessly. You are also familiar with the word's appearance in famous French literature and can quote or reference these works. For you, 'récompense' is a versatile and powerful word that you can use to navigate any social or professional situation in the French-speaking world with confidence and elegance.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

récompense en 30 segundos

A feminine noun meaning 'reward' or 'prize', used for both physical gifts and abstract recognition of merit.
Used in various contexts from training pets and raising children to academic awards and professional bonuses.
Commonly paired with the preposition 'pour' to indicate the reason for the reward, such as 'récompense pour son travail'.
Requires feminine adjective agreement (e.g., 'une belle récompense') and is related to the verb 'récompenser'.

The French word récompense is a versatile feminine noun that translates primarily to 'reward' in English. It encompasses a wide range of meanings, from a small treat given to a child for good behavior to a prestigious international award given for scientific breakthroughs. In its most literal sense, it represents something given or received in return for a service, a merit, or a specific effort. Unlike some words that are restricted to formal or informal contexts, récompense is used across all registers of the French language, making it an essential term for any learner to master. It captures the universal human experience of cause and effect in a positive light—you do something good, and you receive a récompense.

Concrète (Concrete): This refers to physical objects like money, a medal, or a gift. For example, a student might receive a book as a récompense for winning a spelling bee.
Abstraite (Abstract): This relates to emotional or psychological satisfaction, such as the feeling of pride or the respect of one's peers. The satisfaction of a job well done is often described as its own récompense.
Financière (Financial): In legal or formal contexts, it can refer to a sum of money offered for finding a lost item or helping solve a crime, similar to a 'bounty' or 'finder's fee'.

Le petit garçon a reçu une glace comme récompense pour avoir rangé sa chambre.

When using this word, it is important to remember that it is feminine, so it is always preceded by une, la, or cette. In common conversation, people use it to motivate others or to express gratitude. For instance, a manager might promise a récompense to the team that hits their targets first. In a more philosophical sense, one might hear that 'virtue is its own reward'—la vertu est sa propre récompense. This highlights the word's depth, moving beyond mere material gain to intrinsic value. Whether you are training a puppy with a treat or receiving a Nobel Prize, the concept remains the same: the recognition of effort through a tangible or intangible gesture.

Elle mérite une récompense pour son courage exceptionnel face au danger.

Il n'y a pas de plus grande récompense que de voir ses enfants réussir.

Le gouvernement a offert une récompense pour toute information menant à l'arrestation du suspect.

Les athlètes s'entraînent dur dans l'espoir d'obtenir une récompense olympique.

Using récompense correctly requires an understanding of its syntax and common pairings. It is most frequently used with verbs like donner (to give), recevoir (to receive), mériter (to deserve), or offrir (to offer). When you want to specify what the reward is for, you use the preposition pour followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. For example, 'une récompense pour son travail' (a reward for his work) or 'une récompense pour avoir aidé' (a reward for having helped). The structure is straightforward but allows for significant descriptive flexibility through adjectives.

With Adjectives: Common adjectives include juste (just), généreuse (generous), symbolique (symbolic), or méritée (deserved). Note that since récompense is feminine, the adjectives must agree in gender.
In Negative Sentences: To say someone received no reward, use 'ne... aucune récompense'. For example: 'Il n'a reçu aucune récompense pour ses efforts.'
As a Subject: The word can also serve as the subject of a sentence, often to describe the nature of an outcome. 'La récompense fut à la hauteur de ses attentes' (The reward was up to his expectations).

Après des années de recherche, sa récompense fut enfin le Prix Nobel.

In academic or professional writing, the term is often used to discuss incentive structures. You might read about 'les systèmes de récompense' in psychology or 'la politique de récompense' in human resources. In these contexts, the word is used more technically to describe the mechanisms used to encourage desired behaviors. Whether in a simple sentence like 'Voici ta récompense' (Here is your reward) or a complex legal document, the word maintains its core identity of being a positive return on action. It is also common in sports commentary to describe a goal or a victory as the 'juste récompense' for a team's dominance throughout a match.

Le dresseur donne une petite récompense au chien après chaque exercice réussi.

Travailler dur est fatigant, mais la récompense financière en vaut la peine.

Ils ont promis une forte récompense à celui qui retrouvera leur chat perdu.

Cette médaille est la récompense suprême pour tout soldat engagé au front.

You will encounter the word récompense in a variety of real-world French settings. In everyday family life, parents use it when discussing children's chores or grades. In the professional world, it appears during performance reviews or company announcements regarding bonuses. However, one of the most visible places you will see this word is in the media, particularly during award season. The French film industry's 'Césars' or the music industry's 'Victoires de la Musique' are frequently discussed in terms of the récompenses distributed to artists. News broadcasts often use the term when reporting on acts of heroism where a citizen is given a formal récompense by the state.

In Schools: Teachers use the term for academic merit. A 'tableau d'honneur' is a form of récompense for students with excellent grades.
In Sports: Commentators speak of a goal as a récompense for a team's offensive efforts. 'C'est une récompense logique au vu du match.'
In Gaming: French versions of video games use récompenses to refer to 'loot' or 'rewards' earned after completing a quest or level.

Le film a raflé toutes les récompenses lors de la cérémonie hier soir.

In literature and cinema, the 'quest for a reward' is a common trope. Whether it is a literal treasure or the hand of a princess, the récompense drives the plot forward. In a more modern context, you might see advertisements for loyalty programs in French supermarkets or boutiques, where 'vos achats sont transformés en récompenses' (your purchases are turned into rewards). This commercial use of the word is very common and helps learners understand the concept of earning points or discounts. Furthermore, in the realm of psychology and self-help, which is popular in France, authors often discuss 'l'auto-récompense' (self-reward) as a way to maintain motivation during difficult tasks. Hearing this word in such diverse contexts reinforces its importance as a foundational piece of French vocabulary.

Chaque point fidélité vous rapproche d'une récompense exclusive.

La récompense pour avoir trouvé ce trésor est inestimable.

Il travaille sans attendre de récompense, par pur altruisme.

Le vainqueur de la course a reçu une récompense de mille euros.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with récompense is confusing it with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning words like prix or rémunération. While they all relate to getting something, their usage is specific. Another common error is gender agreement. Because 'reward' is neuter in English, learners often forget that récompense is strictly feminine. Using 'un récompense' instead of 'une récompense' is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake. Additionally, the spelling can be tricky; many learners forget the acute accent on the first 'e' or the 's' in the middle, writing it as 'recompence' (the English spelling) instead of the French récompense.

Confusing with 'Prix': A prix is usually a prize in a competition or a price tag. A récompense is broader and often implies a moral or personal return for effort. You win a 'prix', but you receive a 'récompense'.
Confusing with 'Rémunération': Rémunération refers specifically to payment for work (salary, wages). Récompense is more about a bonus or a non-contractual reward. You don't call your monthly salary a 'récompense'.
Incorrect Preposition: Learners sometimes use 'de' instead of 'pour' to explain the reason for the reward. While 'de' is sometimes possible in specific structures, 'pour' is the standard choice for 'reward for'.

Incorrect: Il a reçu un récompense. Correct: Il a reçu une récompense.

Another nuanced mistake is using the word to mean 'compensation' in the sense of 'damages' in a lawsuit. While there is a legal overlap, the French word for compensation in a legal sense is more often indemnisation or dédommagement. Récompense has a positive connotation of merit, whereas indemnisation has a neutral or negative connotation of making up for a loss. Finally, be careful with the verb récompenser. It is a direct transitive verb, so you reward someone (récompenser quelqu'un), not 'to someone' (récompenser à quelqu'un). Avoiding these pitfalls will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

Il a gagné le premier prix (prize), ce qui est une belle récompense (reward) pour son talent.

Incorrect: Une récompense de son courage. Correct: Une récompense pour son courage.

Attention: Don't confuse récompense with reconnaitre (to recognize). Recognition is the act, reward is the thing.

Note: The 's' in récompense is pronounced like an 's', not a 'z'.

To truly master the concept of 'reward' in French, it is helpful to explore synonyms and related terms that offer different shades of meaning. While récompense is the most general term, other words might be more appropriate depending on whether you are talking about a competition, a job, or a gift. Understanding these nuances will allow you to be more expressive and precise in your French communication. For instance, in a formal academic setting, you might use distinction, whereas in a casual setting with a child, you might simply say un petit cadeau.

Prix (Prize/Award): This is used for competitive wins. 'Le prix Goncourt' is a famous literary award. It implies a ranking or a contest where one person or thing is chosen as the best.
Gratification (Bonus/Gratuity): Often used in a professional or financial context, this refers to an extra sum of money given above the base salary, often for an internship or a specific achievement.
Prime (Bonus/Incentive): This is the standard word for a work bonus. 'Une prime de Noël' is a Christmas bonus. It is more transactional than récompense.

Il a reçu une distinction honorifique pour ses quarante ans de service.

Other alternatives include laurier (laurel), often used figuratively in the plural (récolter les lauriers) to mean 'to reap the rewards' or 'to take the credit'. There is also compensation, which, as mentioned before, usually refers to balancing a loss, but can occasionally be used for 'rewarding' a difficulty. For a more spiritual or high-register context, you might encounter rétribution, which suggests a divine or moral payback for one's actions, whether good or bad. By choosing the right word from this spectrum, you demonstrate a deeper grasp of the French language. For example, saying 'Sa récompense fut la paix intérieure' sounds much more poetic and accurate than using 'prix' or 'prime' in that context.

Le vainqueur a reçu un trophée en guise de récompense.

Le patron a accordé une prime exceptionnelle à tous les employés.

Elle ne cherche pas les honneurs, juste une simple récompense morale.

Ce diplôme est la récompense de cinq années d'études intensives.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In its earliest usage, it was more about 'balancing the scales' of justice or debt than just giving a prize. It shares the same root as the English word 'compensate'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ʁe.kɔ̃.pɑ̃s/

US /re.kɔ̃.pɑ̃s/

In French, the stress is generally even, but a slight emphasis may fall on the final syllable 'pɑ̃s'.

Rima con

dépense (expense) pense (think) danse (dance) chance (luck) vacance (vacancy) ordonnance (order/prescription) connaissance (knowledge) naissance (birth)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 'e' (it is silent).
Making the 's' sound like a 'z' (it should be a sharp 's').
Failing to nasalize the 'on' and 'en' sounds.
Pronouncing the 'é' as a schwa or 'eh' sound.
Using an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The word is very similar to English 'recompense', making it easy to recognize.

Escritura 3/5

Accents and the feminine gender require some attention from learners.

Expresión oral 3/5

Nasal vowels and the uvular 'r' can be challenging for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to pick out in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

donner bon travail pour un

Aprende después

mériter prix effort reconnaissance gratification

Avanzado

rétribution indemnisation méritocratie dopaminergique

Gramática que debes saber

Gender of Nouns ending in -ense

La récompense, la dépense, la défense (all feminine).

Preposition 'pour' with nouns

Une récompense pour son courage.

Preposition 'pour' with past infinitive

Une récompense pour avoir gagné.

Agreement of adjectives with feminine nouns

Une grande récompense.

Use of 'de' in fixed phrases

En récompense de...

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Ejemplos por nivel

C'est une petite récompense pour toi.

It is a small reward for you.

Feminine noun 'récompense' used with 'une'.

Le chien veut une récompense.

The dog wants a reward.

Direct object after the verb 'vouloir'.

Voici ta récompense !

Here is your reward!

Possessive adjective 'ta' agrees with feminine 'récompense'.

Elle donne une récompense à son fils.

She gives a reward to her son.

Indirect object 'à son fils'.

Une glace est une bonne récompense.

An ice cream is a good reward.

Adjective 'bonne' agrees with feminine 'récompense'.

Il n'y a pas de récompense aujourd'hui.

There is no reward today.

Negation 'pas de' followed by the noun.

Merci pour la récompense.

Thank you for the reward.

Preposition 'pour' used to indicate the reason.

Regarde ma belle récompense !

Look at my beautiful reward!

Adjective 'belle' placed before the noun.

Il a reçu une récompense pour son aide.

He received a reward for his help.

Passé composé of 'recevoir'.

Les élèves travaillent pour une récompense.

The students are working for a reward.

Preposition 'pour' expressing purpose.

Est-ce une récompense méritée ?

Is it a deserved reward?

Past participle 'méritée' used as an adjective.

Nous offrons une récompense de dix euros.

We are offering a reward of ten euros.

Noun 'récompense' followed by 'de' and an amount.

Elle a gagné une récompense à l'école.

She won a reward at school.

Preposition 'à' indicating location.

Le gagnant choisit sa récompense.

The winner chooses his reward.

Present tense of 'choisir'.

C'est la récompense de ses efforts.

It is the reward for his efforts.

Genitive 'de' indicating the source of the reward.

Ils ont promis une récompense généreuse.

They promised a generous reward.

Adjective 'généreuse' follows the noun.

La satisfaction est la meilleure des récompenses.

Satisfaction is the best of rewards.

Superlative 'la meilleure des'.

Il espère obtenir une récompense financière.

He hopes to obtain a financial reward.

Infinitive 'obtenir' after the verb 'espérer'.

Le système de récompense motive les employés.

The reward system motivates employees.

Noun phrase 'système de récompense'.

Elle a agi sans attendre de récompense.

She acted without waiting for a reward.

Preposition 'sans' followed by an infinitive.

Quelle sera la récompense pour ce défi ?

What will be the reward for this challenge?

Future tense 'sera'.

Ce voyage est une récompense pour son diplôme.

This trip is a reward for his degree.

Noun 'diplôme' as the reason for the reward.

Il mérite une récompense pour sa patience.

He deserves a reward for his patience.

Verb 'mériter' followed by a noun.

Les récompenses symboliques sont aussi importantes.

Symbolic rewards are also important.

Plural agreement of the adjective 'importantes'.

L'effort finit toujours par apporter une récompense.

Effort always ends up bringing a reward.

Phrase 'finir par' + infinitive.

La direction a instauré une nouvelle politique de récompense.

Management has established a new reward policy.

Compound noun 'politique de récompense'.

C'est la juste récompense de tant d'années de sacrifice.

It is the just reward for so many years of sacrifice.

Adjective 'juste' used for moral emphasis.

Le cerveau libère de la dopamine comme récompense.

The brain releases dopamine as a reward.

Scientific context using 'comme'.

Ils ont reçu de nombreuses récompenses internationales.

They have received numerous international awards.

Plural 'nombreuses' and 'récompenses'.

Une récompense est promise à quiconque retrouvera l'objet.

A reward is promised to whoever finds the object.

Passive voice 'est promise'.

Elle a refusé la récompense par humilité.

She refused the reward out of humility.

Preposition 'par' expressing motivation.

Le succès est la récompense d'une discipline constante.

Success is the reward for constant discipline.

Abstract relationship between success and discipline.

La vertu trouve en elle-même sa propre récompense.

Virtue finds its own reward within itself.

Philosophical phrasing with 'en elle-même'.

En récompense de ses services, il fut nommé chevalier.

In reward for his services, he was named a knight.

Formal prepositional phrase 'En récompense de'.

L'absence de récompense peut mener à une perte de motivation.

The absence of reward can lead to a loss of motivation.

Noun phrase as the subject.

Cette découverte constitue une récompense inestimable pour la science.

This discovery constitutes an invaluable reward for science.

High-register verb 'constitue'.

Le film a été couronné de multiples récompenses prestigieuses.

The film was crowned with multiple prestigious awards.

Passive construction 'a été couronné de'.

La récompense ne doit pas occulter le sens de l'action.

The reward must not obscure the meaning of the action.

Modal verb 'doit' with negation.

Il a perçu cette promotion comme une récompense dérisoire.

He perceived this promotion as a paltry reward.

Adjective 'dérisoire' indicating inadequacy.

Le système féodal reposait sur une hiérarchie de récompenses.

The feudal system rested on a hierarchy of rewards.

Historical/Sociological context.

S'attendre à une récompense, c'est déjà corrompre le geste.

To expect a reward is already to corrupt the gesture.

Infinitive as subject 'S'attendre à'.

La postérité sera la seule récompense à la hauteur de son génie.

Posterity will be the only reward commensurate with his genius.

Complex adjective phrase 'à la hauteur de'.

Il y a une forme de récompense douce-amère dans le renoncement.

There is a form of bittersweet reward in renunciation.

Compound adjective 'douce-amère'.

L'œuvre d'art ne cherche d'autre récompense que sa propre existence.

The work of art seeks no other reward than its own existence.

Restrictive 'ne... d'autre... que'.

Le mépris fut la seule récompense qu'il reçut pour sa franchise.

Contempt was the only reward he received for his frankness.

Ironical use of 'récompense'.

Les mécanismes de récompense cérébrale sont au cœur des addictions.

Cerebral reward mechanisms are at the heart of addictions.

Highly technical neuroscientific phrase.

Il a agi au mépris de toute récompense matérielle ou honorifique.

He acted in defiance of any material or honorary reward.

Phrase 'au mépris de' indicating disregard.

La récompense ultime réside dans la connaissance de soi.

The ultimate reward lies in self-knowledge.

Elevated verb 'résider'.

Colocaciones comunes

Recevoir une récompense

Mériter une récompense

Offrir une récompense

Système de récompense

Juste récompense

Récompense financière

Récompense symbolique

En récompense de

Petite récompense

Récompense méritée

Frases Comunes

En guise de récompense

— Used to describe something given as a substitute or a form of reward. It often introduces the specific object being given.

Il lui a offert un livre en guise de récompense.

Sans attendre de récompense

— Doing something purely for the sake of doing it, without expecting anything in return. It highlights altruism.

Elle aide les pauvres sans attendre de récompense.

La meilleure des récompenses

— Used to emphasize that a particular outcome is more valuable than any physical prize. Often refers to feelings.

Ton sourire est la meilleure des récompenses.

Promettre une récompense

— To state that a reward will be given if a certain condition is met. Common in searches or tasks.

Ils ont promis une récompense à celui qui trouvera la clé.

Attendre sa récompense

— To be in a state of anticipation for the recognition or benefit one feels they have earned.

Le travailleur attend sa récompense avec impatience.

Récompense pour services rendus

— A formal phrase often used in administrative or military contexts to honor someone's work.

Il a reçu une médaille en récompense pour services rendus.

Une belle récompense

— A common way to describe a significant or satisfying reward. It adds an appreciative tone.

Gagner ce match est une belle récompense pour l'équipe.

Récompense de l'effort

— A concept linking the hard work directly to the positive outcome. Used in motivational contexts.

La réussite est la récompense de l'effort constant.

Aucune récompense

— Used to express that no recognition or prize was given, often highlighting unfairness or selflessness.

Il n'a reçu aucune récompense pour son acte.

Chercher une récompense

— To act with the primary goal of receiving a prize or recognition. Sometimes has a negative connotation of being self-interested.

Il ne faut pas agir uniquement pour chercher une récompense.

Se confunde a menudo con

récompense vs Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance is the feeling of gratitude or the act of recognizing, while récompense is the thing given.

récompense vs Rémunération

Rémunération is the official payment for work (salary), not a bonus or prize.

récompense vs Compensation

Compensation usually means making up for a loss or injury, not rewarding a success.

Modismos y expresiones

"La vertu est sa propre récompense"

— Doing the right thing is satisfying enough in itself, and one should not expect external prizes for being good.

Ne sois pas déçu de ne pas avoir eu de prix; la vertu est sa propre récompense.

Formal/Philosophical

"Récolter les lauriers"

— To receive the honors or rewards of a successful action, often after hard work.

Après des mois de travail, il peut enfin récolter les lauriers.

Literary/Figurative

"À tout seigneur tout honneur"

— While not using the word 'récompense' directly, it means that honors (rewards) should go to those who deserve them most.

Il a gagné, donc c'est lui qui parle en premier : à tout seigneur tout honneur.

Idiomatic

"C'est de bonne guerre"

— Used when someone gets a 'reward' or advantage through fair competition or cleverness.

Il a obtenu la promotion avant moi, c'est de bonne guerre.

Informal

"Prendre sa revanche"

— Sometimes used as a 'reward' for a previous failure—getting a second chance to win.

Sa victoire aujourd'hui est sa récompense, il a pris sa revanche.

Neutral

"Toucher le gros lot"

— To win the ultimate reward or prize, often by luck (like the lottery).

En l'épousant, il a vraiment touché le gros lot.

Informal

"Avoir le dernier mot"

— Can be seen as a verbal reward—the satisfaction of winning an argument.

Elle aime toujours avoir le dernier mot en guise de récompense.

Neutral

"Être aux anges"

— The emotional state of someone who has just received a great reward.

Depuis qu'il a eu sa récompense, il est aux anges.

Informal

"Donner le change"

— To give a false 'reward' or impression to hide the truth.

Il lui a donné une petite récompense pour donner le change.

Neutral

"Vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué"

— Warning not to celebrate the reward before the task is actually finished.

N'achète pas déjà ta récompense, il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours...

Proverbial

Fácil de confundir

récompense vs Prix

Both mean something you win.

Prix is for competitions (first prize); récompense is more general (a reward for being good).

Il a eu le prix Nobel, une belle récompense.

récompense vs Prime

Both can be money.

Prime is specifically a work bonus; récompense can be a treat, a medal, or praise.

Ma prime de Noël est ma récompense.

récompense vs Cadeau

Both are things you get.

A cadeau is a gift (birthday, etc.); a récompense is specifically earned through merit.

Ce n'est pas un cadeau, c'est une récompense.

récompense vs Indemnité

Both involve receiving something.

Indemnité is money given to cover costs or losses, never for merit.

Il a reçu une indemnité, pas une récompense.

récompense vs Gratification

Both are formal rewards.

Gratification is often used for financial tips or internship payments.

La gratification de stage est une sorte de récompense.

Patrones de oraciones

C'est une [adjective] récompense.

C'est une bonne récompense.

Il a eu une récompense pour [noun].

Il a eu une récompense pour son aide.

Je mérite une récompense parce que [clause].

Je mérite une récompense parce que j'ai fini mon projet.

Le [noun] est la récompense de [noun].

Le succès est la récompense de la patience.

En récompense de [noun], il a été [past participle].

En récompense de sa bravoure, il a été honoré.

Nulle récompense ne saurait égaler [noun].

Nulle récompense ne saurait égaler la paix de l'esprit.

Voulez-vous une récompense ?

Voulez-vous une récompense pour votre travail ?

Il n'y a aucune récompense pour [noun].

Il n'y a aucune récompense pour la paresse.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

récompense (reward)

récompensateur (rewarder - rare)

auto-récompense (self-reward)

Verbos

récompenser (to reward)

Adjetivos

récompensé (rewarded)

récompensable (rewardable)

Relacionado

mérite

prix

reconnaissance

gratification

compensation

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very frequent in both spoken and written French.

Errores comunes

Un récompense → Une récompense
The word is feminine, so it must take feminine articles and adjectives.
Recompence → Récompense
In French, we use 's' instead of 'c' near the end, and we need the accent on the 'é'.
Récompense de mon travail → Récompense pour mon travail
While 'de' is used in some phrases, 'pour' is the standard way to say 'reward for' a specific action.
Gagner une récompense → Recevoir une récompense
You usually 'win' a prize (prix) but 'receive' a reward (récompense), though 'gagner' is sometimes used informally.
Récompenser à quelqu'un → Récompenser quelqu'un
The verb 'récompenser' is direct; you don't need the preposition 'à'.

Consejos

Feminine Agreement

Always remember 'récompense' is feminine. Say 'ma récompense' and 'une belle récompense' to avoid common gender mistakes.

Synonym Choice

Use 'prix' for contests and 'prime' for work bonuses to sound more like a native speaker.

Nasal Sounds

Focus on the 'on' and 'en' nasals. They should sound distinct and not like 'on' or 'en' in English.

Meritocracy

In France, 'le mérite' is highly valued. Using the word 'récompense' shows you understand the value of hard work.

Accents Matter

Don't forget the acute accent on the first 'e' (é). It changes the pronunciation and is essential for correct spelling.

Prepositions

Use 'pour' when you want to say 'reward for'. For example: 'Une récompense pour ta gentillesse'.

Brain System

If you are interested in science, learn 'le système de récompense' to talk about how the brain works.

Virtue Idiom

Learn 'La vertu est sa propre récompense'. It's a classic philosophical phrase that impresses in formal discussions.

News Context

Listen for 'récompense' during French news reports about awards or acts of bravery.

Daily Goal

Give yourself a small 'récompense' after finishing your French lesson to reinforce the word in your mind.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 're-compensate'. When you reward someone, you are 're-compensating' them for their hard work or good deed.

Asociación visual

Imagine a shiny gold medal (récompense) being pinned onto a chest after a long race.

Word Web

Effort Mérite Cadeau Prix Joie Travail Médaille Reconnaissance

Desafío

Try to use the word 'récompense' in three different contexts today: one about a pet, one about a job, and one about a personal goal.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Old French verb 'recompenser', which comes from the Late Latin 'recompensare'. The Latin root consists of 're-' (again/back) and 'compensare' (to weigh together/balance).

Significado original: Originally, it meant to weigh one thing against another to find a balance or to compensate for a loss.

Romance (Latin)

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to use 'récompense' when you mean 'salary' or 'payment', as it can sound patronizing to treat a professional wage as a mere 'reward'.

In English, 'reward' can sometimes feel more casual (like a 'reward card'), whereas 'récompense' in French often carries a slightly more formal or significant weight unless specified as 'petite'.

Les Césars du Cinéma (French Academy Awards) The phrase 'La vertu est sa propre récompense' (often attributed to various philosophers) The 'système de récompense' in neurobiology textbooks

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Education

Bon point
Tableau d'honneur
Félicitations
Récompense scolaire

Professional

Prime de performance
Promotion
Reconnaissance du travail
Bonus annuel

Pet Training

Friandise
C'est bien !
Donner un biscuit
Récompense positive

Legal/Police

Récompense promise
Appel à témoins
Information cruciale
Somme d'argent

Personal Motivation

Se faire plaisir
Objectif atteint
Satisfaction personnelle
S'auto-récompenser

Inicios de conversación

"Quelle est la meilleure récompense que tu aies jamais reçue ?"

"Penses-tu que les enfants devraient recevoir une récompense pour leurs notes ?"

"Est-ce que tu te donnes une récompense après une longue journée de travail ?"

"Quelle récompense aimerais-tu recevoir pour ton apprentissage du français ?"

"Crois-tu que la vertu est sa propre récompense ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez une situation où vous avez travaillé dur et reçu une récompense inattendue.

Si vous pouviez créer une nouvelle récompense pour un acte de gentillesse, quelle serait-elle ?

Pensez-vous que le système de récompense au travail est efficace ? Pourquoi ?

Écrivez sur une 'récompense' non matérielle qui compte beaucoup pour vous.

Comment utilisez-vous les récompenses pour vous motiver dans vos études ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always feminine: une récompense, la récompense. You must use feminine adjectives with it, like 'une grande récompense'.

A 'prix' is usually an award won in a specific contest or competition (like a race or a film festival). A 'récompense' is more general and can be any return for effort, merit, or service.

The verb is 'récompenser'. For example: 'Le professeur récompense les élèves' (The teacher rewards the students).

Yes, 'une récompense financière' is a common phrase. It often refers to a bounty for finding a lost item or a bonus for a specific achievement.

Both are used, but 'pour' is more common for the reason (récompense pour son travail), while 'de' is used in the fixed formal phrase 'en récompense de'.

You can, but 'prime' is the more specific and common word for a professional financial bonus.

It refers to the 'reward system' in the brain, a term used in psychology and biology regarding dopamine and motivation.

It is spelled r-é-c-o-m-p-e-n-s-e. Note the acute accent on the first 'e' and the 's' near the end.

It is neutral. It can be used in formal ceremonies, but also in everyday talk with children or about pets.

In very old or literary French, it could occasionally mean 'payback' (which could be negative), but in modern French, it is exclusively positive.

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