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A2 noun #800 más común 10 min de lectura

un compte

Top 800

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos un compte en 30 segundos

Explicación un compte in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'un compte' is primarily introduced in the context of basic banking or simple possession. Students learn that 'un compte' is a masculine noun. The focus is on the most literal meaning: a bank account. Learners are taught phrases like 'J'ai un compte' (I have an account) or 'Je veux ouvrir un compte' (I want to open an account). At this stage, the nuances of homophones (comte/conte) are usually avoided to prevent confusion. The emphasis is on the practical utility of the word for someone arriving in a French-speaking country who needs to handle basic administrative tasks. Simple adjectives like 'petit' or 'nouveau' might be used to describe it. The goal is for the student to recognize the word in a bank or on a website login screen. They should understand that it represents a personal space or a financial record belonging to them. Vocabulary is kept simple, focusing on the 'sujet + verbe + complément' structure.

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At the A2 level, the use of 'un compte' expands to include digital contexts and more specific financial terms. Students learn to distinguish between a 'compte courant' (checking account) and a 'compte d'épargne' (savings account). This is also where the common expression 'se rendre compte' (to realize) is often introduced, though its grammatical complexity is only partially explored. Learners start to use prepositions more accurately, specifically 'sur' for money in an account. They also encounter 'un compte' in retail settings, such as 'un compte fidélité' (loyalty account). The A2 student is expected to be able to handle a basic conversation at a bank or sign up for a service online using this word. They should also begin to recognize the word in the plural form 'les comptes' when referring to household finances or 'faire les comptes'. The focus shifts from simple possession to active management and digital interaction.

By B1, the learner is expected to use 'un compte' in a variety of idiomatic and professional contexts. The concept of 'rendre des comptes' (to be accountable) is introduced, moving the word from a purely mathematical or technical realm into the realm of social responsibility. Students learn to use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as 'compte tenu de' (considering/given). They are also expected to navigate the homophones (compte, conte, comte) with greater confidence, using context to distinguish them in listening exercises. In terms of finance, B1 learners discuss 'relevés de compte' (bank statements) and 'virements de compte à compte' (transfers between accounts). The word becomes a tool for expressing abstract ideas, such as 'pour son propre compte' (on one's own behalf/self-employed). The B1 level requires a deeper understanding of how 'un compte' functions as both a noun of record and a noun of responsibility.

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At the B2 level, 'un compte' is used in sophisticated discussions about economics, politics, and law. Students analyze 'les comptes publics' (public accounts) and 'la Cour des comptes' (the French supreme audit institution). They are expected to understand the nuance between 'un compte' and 'un bilan' in a business context. Idiomatic expressions like 'tout compte fait' (all things considered) or 'au bout du compte' (ultimately) become part of their active vocabulary, allowing for more fluid and natural transitions in speech and writing. The grammatical rule regarding the non-agreement of 'rendu' in 'se rendre compte' is mastered. B2 learners can participate in debates about digital privacy and 'la gestion des comptes utilisateurs'. They use the word to describe complex social dynamics, such as 'un règlement de comptes' in a political or historical context. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual building block for high-level discourse.

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At the C1 level, the learner explores the stylistic and literary uses of 'un compte'. They might encounter the word in classical literature where 'un compte' refers to a detailed narrative or a reckoning of a life. The focus is on precision and register. A C1 student knows the difference between 'un compte de résultat' and 'un compte d'exploitation' in accounting. They can use the word in highly formal administrative correspondence or legal documents. The word 'compte' is used to discuss philosophical accountability and the ethics of reporting. C1 learners are sensitive to the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to 'le comput' (calculation of time). They can use 'un compte' in complex metaphors. Their mastery of the word allows them to understand subtle wordplay in French media that might play on the homophones 'compte', 'comte', and 'conte'. The word is used with total flexibility across all domains of human activity.

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At the C2 level, mastery of 'un compte' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. This includes an effortless grasp of archaic or highly specialized uses, such as 'apurer les comptes' (to audit/clear accounts) or 'entrer en ligne de compte' (to be taken into consideration). The C2 learner understands the deep cultural implications of 'la Cour des comptes' in the French state structure. They can write technical financial reports or literary critiques where 'un compte' is used with absolute precision. They are familiar with rare idioms and can invent their own wordplay. The word is integrated into a vast web of related concepts, from 'comptabilité' to 'comptage'. At this level, the learner can navigate the most complex legal disputes involving 'comptes joints' or 'comptes de campagne' (campaign accounts). The word 'un compte' is handled with a sense of its full historical, legal, and social weight in the Francophone world.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

un compte en 30 segundos

Un compte is a masculine noun primarily meaning a financial bank account or a digital user profile on websites and apps.
It is also used in many common French idioms like 'se rendre compte' (to realize) and 'rendre des comptes' (to be accountable).
Pronounced /kɔ̃t/, it is a homophone of 'conte' (story) and 'comte' (nobleman), so context is vital for understanding.
Key verbs used with it include 'ouvrir' (to open), 'fermer' (to close), and 'consulter' (to check or consult).

The French noun un compte is a fundamental term that English speakers will encounter daily, primarily in the realms of finance, technology, and personal organization. At its core, it refers to a record or a calculation of something, most commonly money. In a modern context, it is the direct equivalent of a 'bank account' or a 'user account' on a digital platform. Understanding this word requires looking beyond a simple dictionary definition and seeing how it integrates into the French way of life, from managing a budget familial to navigating the complexities of les réseaux sociaux.

Financial Context: In banking, 'un compte' is the vessel for your money. Whether it is a 'compte courant' (checking account) or a 'compte d'épargne' (savings account), it represents the formal relationship between a citizen and a financial institution. In France, having a bank account is not just a convenience; it is a legal necessity for receiving a salary or paying utilities.

Pourriez-vous m'aider à ouvrir un compte bancaire pour non-résidents ?

Digital Identity: In the age of the internet, 'un compte' has expanded to mean a digital profile. When you sign up for Netflix, Instagram, or a government portal like 'Ameli', you are creating 'un compte utilisateur'. This usage is identical to the English 'account' and follows the same logic of credentials and access.

J'ai oublié le mot de passe de mon compte de messagerie électronique.

Accountability and Reporting: Beyond money and websites, 'un compte' appears in expressions of responsibility. 'Rendre des comptes' means to be accountable to someone. This metaphorical 'account' is a ledger of actions rather than euros. If a politician fails, the public demands they 'rendent des comptes'.

Le directeur doit rendre un compte détaillé de ses dépenses trimestrielles.

Vérifiez régulièrement votre compte pour éviter les fraudes bancaires.

Il a ouvert un compte joint avec son épouse après leur mariage.

In summary, 'un compte' is the backbone of transactionality in French. Whether you are paying a bill, logging into a computer, or explaining your actions to a boss, you are dealing with a 'compte'. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mathematical precision of accounting and the social necessity of identity and responsibility.

Using un compte correctly involves pairing it with specific verbs and prepositions that define the nature of the interaction. Because it is a masculine noun, it always takes 'un', 'le', or 'ce'. The most common verbs associated with it are 'ouvrir' (to open), 'fermer' (to close), 'consulter' (to check/consult), and 'créditer/débiter' (to credit/debit).

Banking Syntax: When talking about a bank account, we use the preposition 'sur'. For example, 'Il y a mille euros sur mon compte' (There are a thousand euros in my account). Notice that English uses 'in', but French uses 'sur' (on), reflecting the historical idea of money being recorded on a ledger page.

Je dois transférer de l'argent de mon compte d'épargne vers mon compte courant.

Digital Syntax: For digital accounts, the preposition 'à' or 'de' is often used to link the account to the service. 'Un compte Google' or 'Un compte sur Facebook'. To log in, you might say 'se connecter à son compte'.

Veuillez saisir vos identifiants pour accéder à votre compte client.

Elle s'est rendu compte que son compte en banque était vide.

Professional and Legal Use: In professional settings, 'un compte' is often part of compound nouns like 'compte de résultat' (income statement) or 'expert-comptable' (chartered accountant). Here, it refers to the systematic recording of business activities.

L'entreprise doit présenter son compte annuel aux actionnaires le mois prochain.

Après dix ans en tant que salarié, il a décidé de travailler pour son propre compte.

Le solde de votre compte est insuffisant pour effectuer ce paiement par carte.

Mastering the use of 'un compte' involves recognizing whether you are dealing with a literal financial balance, a digital access point, or a metaphorical report. By paying attention to the prepositions 'sur', 'à', and 'pour', you can accurately convey your meaning in any French-speaking environment.

The word un compte is ubiquitous in French society, appearing in both formal institutions and casual conversations. If you spend a day in a French city, you will likely hear it or see it dozens of times, from the bank window to the supermarket checkout.

At the Bank (La Banque): This is the most literal place. You will hear bank tellers ask, 'Sur quel compte voulez-vous déposer ce chèque ?' (On which account do you want to deposit this check?). You will see it on ATM screens (distributeurs automatiques) when you select 'Consulter mon compte'.

J'ai reçu mon relevé de compte mensuel et il y a une erreur de facturation.

In Retail and Loyalty Programs: In stores like Carrefour or Fnac, the cashier might ask, 'Avez-vous un compte fidélité ?' (Do you have a loyalty account?). This is the French equivalent of a rewards card. Online shopping sites will always have a button for 'Mon Compte' where you manage your orders.

Vous pouvez cumuler des points sur votre compte fidélité à chaque passage en caisse.

Le gouvernement cherche des solutions pour réduire le déficit des comptes de la Sécurité sociale.

Social and Casual Settings: Friends might talk about 'un règlement de comptes'. While this can mean a literal settling of a bill, it more often refers to a confrontation or 'settling scores' after a disagreement. You might also hear 'C'est pour mon compte' if someone is doing something for their own benefit.

Il y a eu un règlement de comptes entre les deux anciens meilleurs amis hier soir.

Julie, pourrais-tu rédiger le compte-rendu de la réunion de ce matin ?

Le pirate informatique a réussi à s'introduire dans le compte de plusieurs célébrités.

Whether you are navigating the administrative hurdles of living in France or simply browsing the web, 'un compte' is a keyword that unlocks access to services, money, and social interactions. Its frequency in daily life makes it one of the most practical nouns to master at the A2 level.

Because un compte has several homophones and is used in specific idiomatic structures, English learners often stumble in a few predictable ways. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

The Triple Homophone Trap: The biggest mistake is confusing 'compte' (account), 'conte' (tale/story), and 'comte' (count/nobleman). They are pronounced identically /kɔ̃t/. Remember: 'compte' has a 'p' for 'payer' (to pay), 'conte' has no 'p' like a simple 'story', and 'comte' ends in 'e' like a title of nobility.

Incorrect: J'ai lu un compte de fées à mon fils. (I read an account of fairies... Correct: un conte de fées).

Preposition Errors: 'In' vs 'On': English speakers instinctively want to say 'dans mon compte' (in my account). While understood, the correct French preposition is 'sur mon compte'. Think of the money sitting 'on' the balance sheet rather than 'inside' a box.

Correct: Il y a beaucoup d'argent sur son compte bancaire.

Incorrect: Garçon, le compte s'il vous plaît ! (Correct: l'addition s'il vous plaît !)

Agreement in 'Se Rendre Compte': In the expression 'se rendre compte', the word 'compte' is a direct object placed after the verb. Therefore, the past participle 'rendu' never agrees with the subject, even if the subject is feminine or plural. This is a very common error even for advanced learners.

Correct: Elles se sont rendu compte de leur erreur. (Not: rendues).

Il travaille à son compte depuis qu'il a quitté son agence de publicité.

Faites attention à ne pas confondre le compte et le montant total dû.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the homophones and the specific prepositions—you will avoid the most frequent errors associated with 'un compte'. Precision in these small details is what separates a beginner from a confident speaker.

While un compte is the most versatile term for an account, French offers several other words that cover specific nuances. Knowing when to use 'un compte' versus an alternative will help you sound more precise and professional.

Compte vs. Relevé: 'Un compte' is the abstract entity (the account itself), whereas 'un relevé' is the physical or digital document showing the transactions (the statement). You check your 'compte' by looking at your 'relevé'.

J'ai téléchargé mon relevé de compte pour préparer ma déclaration d'impôts.

Compte vs. Bilan: In business, 'un compte' usually refers to a specific ledger (like 'compte de charges'), while 'un bilan' is the overall balance sheet or assessment. 'Faire le bilan' means to look at the big picture, whereas 'faire les comptes' means to do the math for a specific set of expenses.

Après les vacances, nous devons faire les comptes pour voir qui doit quoi.

Elle a supprimé son compte Facebook, mais son profil est toujours visible dans les archives.

Compte vs. Addition: As mentioned in the mistakes section, 'l'addition' is specifically for restaurants. However, in a shop, you might hear 'le compte est bon', which means 'the amount is correct' or 'the change is right'.

Voici vingt euros. Gardez la monnaie, le compte est bon.

Selon mes comptes, nous devrions avoir assez d'argent pour le loyer.

L'expert-comptable vérifie chaque compte individuel de la société.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to navigate different social and professional registers. Use 'compte' as your default, but reach for 'relevé', 'bilan', or 'addition' when the situation requires more specificity.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The 'p' in 'compte' was added by 16th-century scholars to reflect its Latin origin (computare), even though it was never pronounced in French. This is called an etymological spelling.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /kɔ̃t/

US /kɔ̃t/

The stress is on the single syllable.

Rima con

conte comte monte honte tonte fonte ponte remonte

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'p' (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the final 'e' as 'uh'.
Failing to nasalize the 'on' sound.
Confusing it with 'comté' (the cheese/region), which has an 'é' sound at the end.
Over-emphasizing the 't' so it sounds like 'conté'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize as it looks like 'count' or 'account'.

Escritura 3/5

The silent 'p' and 't' can lead to spelling errors.

Expresión oral 3/5

The nasal vowel and silent letters require practice.

Escucha 4/5

Homophones (comte/conte) make it tricky in fast speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

banque argent un le sur

Aprende después

facture virement épargne comptable

Avanzado

apurement débit crédit solde

Gramática que debes saber

The preposition 'sur' is used for bank accounts.

L'argent est sur mon compte.

In 'se rendre compte', 'rendu' is invariable.

Elles se sont rendu compte.

Nasal vowels: 'on' in compte is /ɔ̃/.

Un compte /kɔ̃t/.

Compound nouns with 'compte' often take a hyphen.

Un compte-rendu.

Masculine gender for 'compte'.

Le compte, un compte.

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Ejemplos por nivel

J'ai un compte à la banque.

I have an account at the bank.

Uses the masculine indefinite article 'un'.

Il veut ouvrir un compte.

He wants to open an account.

The verb 'ouvrir' is commonly paired with 'compte'.

C'est mon compte Instagram.

It is my Instagram account.

Shows the digital usage of the word.

Où est mon compte ?

Where is my account?

A basic question structure.

Voici un compte rendu.

Here is a report.

'Compte-rendu' is a compound noun.

Le compte est bon.

The count is correct / The total is right.

A common fixed expression.

Tu as un compte ?

Do you have an account?

Informal question using 'tu'.

Mon compte est vide.

My account is empty.

Uses the adjective 'vide' to describe the state of the account.

Je consulte mon compte en ligne.

I check my account online.

Uses 'consulter' for checking information.

Il y a cent euros sur mon compte.

There are one hundred euros in my account.

Note the use of the preposition 'sur'.

Je dois fermer ce compte.

I must close this account.

Uses the demonstrative adjective 'ce'.

Avez-vous un compte fidélité ?

Do you have a loyalty account?

Common retail context.

Elle se rend compte de son erreur.

She realizes her mistake.

Introduction of the reflexive idiom 'se rendre compte'.

C'est un compte joint.

It is a joint account.

'Joint' is an adjective modifying 'compte'.

Je change mon mot de passe de compte.

I am changing my account password.

Digital security context.

Il travaille à son compte.

He is self-employed.

Idiom meaning 'to work for oneself'.

Compte tenu de la situation, nous attendrons.

Given the situation, we will wait.

Uses 'compte tenu de' as a complex preposition.

Il doit rendre des comptes à son patron.

He must be accountable to his boss.

Idiom 'rendre des comptes' implies responsibility.

J'ai reçu mon relevé de compte par la poste.

I received my bank statement by mail.

'Relevé de compte' is the technical term for a statement.

Elle a ouvert un compte d'épargne pour ses enfants.

She opened a savings account for her children.

Distinguishes types of accounts.

Tout compte fait, je préfère rester ici.

All things considered, I prefer to stay here.

Idiom for summarizing a decision.

Il a été débité de son compte par erreur.

His account was debited by mistake.

Uses the passive voice with 'débiter'.

Le compte-rendu de la réunion est prêt.

The minutes of the meeting are ready.

Formal business term.

Ils ont fait les comptes après le voyage.

They settled the finances after the trip.

Plural usage meaning 'to do the math'.

La Cour des comptes surveille les dépenses de l'État.

The Court of Auditors monitors state spending.

Refers to a specific French institution.

Au bout du compte, c'est une réussite.

Ultimately, it is a success.

Idiom meaning 'in the end'.

Il s'agit d'un règlement de comptes politique.

It is a matter of political score-settling.

Metaphorical use of 'règlement de comptes'.

Les comptes de l'entreprise sont dans le rouge.

The company's accounts are in the red.

Idiom for being in debt or losing money.

Il a agi pour son propre compte.

He acted on his own behalf.

Emphasizes independence.

Veuillez créditer ce montant sur mon compte.

Please credit this amount to my account.

Formal banking instruction.

Elle s'est rendu compte que le temps passait vite.

She realized that time was passing quickly.

Reminder: 'rendu' does not agree with the subject.

Le compte à rebours a commencé.

The countdown has begun.

Refers to a countdown (counting backwards).

L'expert-comptable a certifié les comptes annuels.

The chartered accountant certified the annual accounts.

High-level professional terminology.

Ce facteur n'entre pas en ligne de compte.

This factor is not taken into consideration.

Idiom meaning 'to be relevant/to count'.

Il a été licencié pour son compte de dépenses excessif.

He was fired for his excessive expense account.

Refers to business expenses.

Le récit est un compte fidèle de ses aventures.

The story is a faithful account of his adventures.

Literary use meaning 'narrative'.

Elle demande un compte détaillé de l'héritage.

She is asking for a detailed accounting of the inheritance.

Legal/financial precision.

Les comptes de campagne ont été rejetés.

The campaign accounts were rejected.

Specific to electoral law.

Il a trouvé son compte dans cette nouvelle organisation.

He found what he was looking for in this new organization.

Idiom 'trouver son compte' (to find satisfaction/benefit).

Le solde de tout compte est signé à la fin du contrat.

The final settlement is signed at the end of the contract.

Specific French labor law term.

L'apurement des comptes a révélé des irrégularités.

The auditing of the accounts revealed irregularities.

Technical term 'apurement'.

Il s'est laissé conter fleurette, mais il a fini par régler ses comptes.

He let himself be wooed, but in the end, he settled his scores.

Plays on the homophones 'conter' and 'comptes'.

La gestion en compte de tiers nécessite une rigueur absolue.

Managing third-party accounts requires absolute rigor.

Specialized financial management term.

C'est une apologie qui ne tient aucun compte de la réalité.

It is an apology that takes no account of reality.

Abstract usage 'tenir compte de'.

Le compte d'exploitation prévisionnel est encourageant.

The projected operating account is encouraging.

Advanced business accounting.

Il a été mis à pied pour avoir puisé dans le compte de la régie.

He was suspended for dipping into the management account.

Specific administrative context.

L'histoire retiendra ce compte rendu comme un tournant.

History will remember this report as a turning point.

Elevated historical register.

Il a réglé son compte à son adversaire avec brio.

He finished off his opponent with brilliance.

Idiom 'régler son compte à quelqu'un' (to finish someone off).

Colocaciones comunes

ouvrir un compte

fermer un compte

consulter son compte

compte courant

compte d'épargne

compte utilisateur

mot de passe de compte

compte rendu

règlement de comptes

compte à rebours

Frases Comunes

Se rendre compte

— To realize something. A very common reflexive verb phrase.

Je me suis rendu compte de mon erreur.

Rendre des comptes

— To be accountable or to explain one's actions to someone.

Il doit rendre des comptes à la direction.

Tout compte fait

— All things considered or in the end.

Tout compte fait, c'est une bonne idée.

Au bout du compte

— Ultimately or when all is said and done.

Au bout du compte, nous avons gagné.

Tenir compte de

— To take something into consideration.

Il faut tenir compte de la météo.

Pour son propre compte

— On one's own behalf or as a self-employed person.

Elle travaille pour son propre compte.

Le compte est bon

— The total is correct or the change is right.

Voici la monnaie, le compte est bon.

Demander des comptes

— To demand an explanation or accountability.

Le peuple demande des comptes au gouvernement.

Compte tenu de

— Given or considering a specific fact.

Compte tenu du retard, nous partirons demain.

Son compte est bon

— He's in trouble or his fate is sealed (informal).

S'il continue comme ça, son compte est bon !

Se confunde a menudo con

un compte vs un conte

A fairy tale or short story. Pronounced the same.

un compte vs un comte

A title of nobility (Count). Pronounced the same.

un compte vs une addition

Used for restaurant bills, not 'compte'.

Modismos y expresiones

"Régler son compte à quelqu'un"

— To settle a score with someone or to physically attack/kill them.

Il a réglé son compte à son rival.

informal/aggressive

"Trouver son compte"

— To find what one is looking for or to benefit from a situation.

Chacun y trouve son compte.

neutral

"Faire son compte"

— To manage or to find a way to do something (often used in 'comment as-tu fait ton compte ?').

Comment as-tu fait ton compte pour arriver en retard ?

casual

"N'y pas trouver son compte"

— To not find a situation beneficial or satisfactory.

Je n'y trouve pas mon compte dans ce contrat.

neutral

"Les bons comptes font les bons amis"

— Short reckonings make long friends (paying debts preserves friendship).

Paie-moi tes dix euros, les bons comptes font les bons amis.

proverb

"Prendre quelque chose pour son compte"

— To take something personally or to take responsibility for something.

Il a pris cette critique pour son compte.

neutral

"Laisser pour compte"

— To leave someone behind or to neglect someone.

Il a été laissé pour compte par sa famille.

literary

"Mettre sur le compte de"

— To attribute something to a specific cause (often an excuse).

Il a mis son retard sur le compte de la fatigue.

neutral

"Avoir son compte"

— To have had enough (often of something bad) or to be drunk.

Arrête de boire, tu as ton compte.

slang

"Compte là-dessus !"

— Don't count on it! (Sarcastic).

Tu veux que je t'aide ? Compte là-dessus !

informal

Fácil de confundir

un compte vs un conte

Identical pronunciation.

A 'conte' is a story (like 'un conte de fées'), while a 'compte' is an account.

Il raconte un conte.

un compte vs un comte

Identical pronunciation.

A 'comte' is a nobleman (like the Count of Monte Cristo).

Le comte vit dans un château.

un compte vs compté

Past participle of 'compter'.

This is a verb form, not a noun.

J'ai compté les moutons.

un compte vs comté

Similar sound.

A 'comté' is a French region or a type of cheese.

J'adore le fromage comté.

un compte vs une facture

Both relate to money.

A 'facture' is a specific bill; a 'compte' is the account itself.

Je paie ma facture d'électricité.

Patrones de oraciones

J'ai un compte [nom].

J'ai un compte Netflix.

Je me rends compte que [phrase].

Je me rends compte qu'il est tard.

Compte tenu de [nom], [phrase].

Compte tenu du prix, c'est cher.

Il doit rendre des comptes à [personne].

Il doit rendre des comptes à sa mère.

Cela n'entre pas en ligne de compte.

Votre âge n'entre pas en ligne de compte.

Régler son compte à [quelqu'un].

Il a réglé son compte à son passé.

Il y a [montant] sur mon compte.

Il y a 50 euros sur mon compte.

Tout compte fait, [décision].

Tout compte fait, je vais partir.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

comptabilité

comptable

comptage

décompte

mécompte

Verbos

compter

décompter

recompter

comptabiliser

Adjetivos

comptable

incomptable

Relacionado

banque

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calcul

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written French.

Errores comunes

Dans mon compte → Sur mon compte
French uses 'on' (sur) rather than 'in' (dans) for accounts.
Je me suis rendue compte → Je me suis rendu compte
The past participle 'rendu' never agrees in this specific idiom.
Le compte, s'il vous plaît (at a restaurant) → L'addition, s'il vous plaît
'Compte' is not used for a restaurant bill.
Un conte bancaire → Un compte bancaire
Confusing the homophones 'conte' (story) and 'compte' (account).
Pronouncing the 'p' → Silent 'p'
The 'p' is purely etymological and should not be voiced.

Consejos

Preposition Tip

Always use 'sur' for money in an account. 'L'argent est sur mon compte.'

Silent Letters

Remember the silent 'p'—it's there for historical reasons but never spoken.

Homophone Context

If you hear 'kɔ̃t' near 'banque', it's 'compte'. Near 'fée', it's 'conte'.

Realizing Things

Use 'se rendre compte' instead of 'réaliser' (which can sometimes be an anglicism).

Reports

Use 'compte-rendu' for any summary of a meeting or event.

Accountability

'Rendre des comptes' is a strong phrase for taking responsibility.

User Accounts

'Compte utilisateur' is the standard term for a login profile.

Savings

A 'compte d'épargne' is where you put money you don't want to spend.

Friendship

Remember: 'Les bons comptes font les bons amis.'

Consideration

'Tenir compte de' is a great way to sound more formal in writing.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Computer' (which comes from the same root). A computer manages your 'compte' (account) by 'counting' your data.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant ledger book with a large 'P' for 'Payment' inside the word 'comPte'. The 'P' is silent, just like a secret payment.

Word Web

banque argent mot de passe utilisateur calcul responsabilité relevé fidélité

Desafío

Try to use 'compte' in three different ways today: once for money, once for a website, and once using the phrase 'se rendre compte'.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Latin 'computus', which means calculation or computation. It entered Old French as 'cunte' or 'comte'.

Significado original: The original meaning was strictly mathematical: the act of counting or a sum total.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but avoid 'régler son compte à quelqu'un' unless you mean to be aggressive.

In English, we say 'in my account', but in French, it is 'sur mon compte'. English 'account' and French 'compte' are very close cognates.

La Cour des Comptes (Institution) Le Comte de Monte-Cristo (Homophone play) Compte à rebours (Common movie trope)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the bank

Ouvrir un compte
Consulter mon solde
Fermer mon compte
Virement de compte

Online

Créer un compte
Mot de passe oublié
Mon compte client
Supprimer mon compte

At work

Rédiger un compte-rendu
Rendre des comptes
Expert-comptable
Note de frais

Shopping

Compte fidélité
Le compte est bon
Payer sur compte
Crédit sur compte

Daily life

Se rendre compte
Tout compte fait
Au bout du compte
Tenir compte de

Inicios de conversación

"Est-ce que tu as un compte sur cette application ?"

"Comment est-ce qu'on ouvre un compte bancaire en France ?"

"Est-ce que tu te rends compte de la chance que nous avons ?"

"Travailles-tu à ton compte ou pour une entreprise ?"

"As-tu lu le compte-rendu de la réunion d'hier ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez une situation où vous vous êtes rendu compte d'une erreur importante.

Quels sont les avantages et les inconvénients de travailler à son compte ?

Imaginez que vous ouvrez un compte bancaire avec un million d'euros. Que faites-vous ?

Pourquoi est-il important de tenir compte de l'avis des autres ?

Écrivez un court compte-rendu de votre journée d'hier.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is masculine: 'un compte' or 'le compte'.

You say 'un compte bancaire'.

It means 'to realize'. For example: 'Je me suis rendu compte qu'il pleuvait' (I realized it was raining).

No, the 'p' is completely silent. It sounds like /kɔ̃t/.

It is a report or the minutes of a meeting.

No, you should use 'l'addition'.

It is a joint bank account shared by two people.

It means 'all things considered' or 'in the end'.

You can say 'Je travaille à mon compte'.

Yes, 'un compte Instagram' or 'un compte Facebook'.

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