Overview
The French verb 'acheter' is a very common and essential verb meaning 'to buy.' It is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation group (verbs ending in -er), but with a slight irregularity in its stem. Specifically, the 'e' before the 't' in the stem changes to 'è' in certain conjugations, particularly when the following syllable is silent or contains a schwa sound. This 'è' is an accent grave, which changes the pronunciation of the 'e' to an open sound, similar to the 'e' in 'bed' in English.
Let's break down its usage and nuances:
1. Basic Usage:
'Acheter' is used in the same way as 'to buy' in English. You can buy objects, services, or even abstract concepts.
- J'achète un livre. (I am buying a book.)
- Nous allons acheter une nouvelle voiture. (We are going to buy a new car.)
2. Direct Object:
'Acheter' is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object. The direct object is the thing being bought.
- Il a acheté des fleurs pour sa mère. (He bought flowers for his mother.)
3. With Prepositions:
- Acheter à: To buy from someone or from a place.
- J'ai acheté ce tableau à un artiste local. (I bought this painting from a local artist.)
- Elle a acheté son pain à la boulangerie. (She bought her bread at the bakery.)
- Acheter pour: To buy for someone or for a purpose.
- J'achète ce cadeau pour mon ami. (I am buying this gift for my friend.)
4. Stem Change in Conjugation:
As mentioned, the 'e' before the 't' in the stem of 'acheter' changes to 'è' in some forms. This applies to the present indicative (except 'nous' and 'vous'), the future simple, the conditional, and the present subjunctive (except 'nous' and 'vous').
* **Nous achetons** (We buy) - 'e' remains 'e'
This stem change is a common feature in many -er verbs in French (like 'préférer', 'espérer', 'lever'). It's important for correct pronunciation and spelling.
5. Common Expressions:
- Acheter cher/bon marché: To buy expensively/cheaply.
- J'ai acheté cette veste bon marché. (I bought this jacket cheaply.)
- Acheter quelque chose à quelqu'un: To buy something for someone.
- J'ai acheté un cadeau à ma sœur. (I bought a gift for my sister.)
- Acheter sur un coup de tête: To buy on a whim.
6. Related Nouns and Adjectives:
- Un achat: A purchase (noun).
- Un acheteur/une acheteuse: A buyer (noun).
- Achetable: Purchasable (adjective).
Understanding the conjugation patterns and common uses of 'acheter' is fundamental for building conversational fluency in French. Pay close attention to the stem change, as it's a key characteristic of this verb and many others in the French language.
例文
J'achète du pain tous les jours.
Daily routineI buy bread every day.
Elle a acheté une nouvelle voiture le mois dernier.
Past purchase of a significant itemShe bought a new car last month.
Nous devons acheter des billets pour le concert.
Necessity to purchase for an eventWe need to buy tickets for the concert.
Tu achètes quoi pour le dîner ce soir ?
Inquiring about future purchases for a mealWhat are you buying for dinner tonight?
Ils achètent des produits locaux pour soutenir les agriculteurs.
Purchasing with a specific intention or valueThey buy local products to support farmers.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく混同される語
80+ words including its derivatives
文法パターン
使い方
The verb 'acheter' is a regular -er verb in French, making its conjugations fairly predictable. It is almost always followed by a direct object, indicating what is being bought. For example, 'J'achète du pain' (I buy bread). When referring to buying something for someone, the indirect object pronoun usually precedes the verb, as in 'Je lui achète un cadeau' (I buy him/her a gift). It's important to differentiate 'acheter' from 'payer' (to pay); 'acheter' describes the act of purchasing the item, while 'payer' describes the act of giving money for it. 'Acheter' can also be used in more figurative contexts, such as 'acheter la paix' (to buy peace) or 'acheter du temps' (to buy time), indicating a willingness to make a concession or effort to gain something. Another common usage involves the prepositions 'à' or 'chez' when specifying the place or person from whom something is bought: 'J'achète le fromage à la fromagerie' (I buy the cheese at the cheese shop) or 'J'achète des légumes chez le maraîcher' (I buy vegetables from the greengrocer). The past participle 'acheté' is used with 'avoir' to form compound tenses, e.g., 'J'ai acheté une voiture' (I bought a car). The verb can also be used reflexively, 's'acheter,' meaning 'to buy for oneself,' as in 'Elle s'achète une nouvelle robe' (She buys herself a new dress).
- Using 'acheter à' instead of 'acheter de' when buying something from someone (e.g., 'J'achète le pain du boulanger' not 'J'achète le pain au boulanger').
- Confusing 'acheter' (to buy) with 'vendre' (to sell).
- Incorrect conjugation, especially for irregular verbs like 'acheter' in certain tenses. For example, in the present tense, it's 'j'achète', 'tu achètes', 'il/elle/on achète', 'nous achetons', 'vous achetez', 'ils/elles achètent'. Note the accent change in the singular forms and the third person plural.
- Forgetting the accent grave on the 'e' in forms like 'j'achète', 'tu achètes', 'il achète', 'ils achètent'.
- Using 'acheter' reflexively without a clear reflexive meaning (e.g., 's'acheter' often means to buy oneself something, which is correct, but misusing it can be a mistake).
- Misplacing direct or indirect object pronouns with 'acheter'. For example, 'Je l'achète' (I buy it) or 'Je lui achète un cadeau' (I buy him/her a gift).
- Not using the correct article (definite, indefinite, partitive) before the item being bought. For example, 'J'achète du pain' (I buy some bread) vs. 'J'achète le pain' (I buy the bread).
- Confusing 'acheter' with verbs of similar meaning but different nuance, like 'acquérir' (to acquire, often for more formal or significant purchases).
- Using 'acheter' when a different verb might be more appropriate depending on the context, such as 'louer' (to rent) if the item is not being permanently acquired.
ヒント
Related words
Here are some related words for 'acheter' that can help you expand your vocabulary: * **Vendre** (to sell) * **Payer** (to pay) * **Coûter** (to cost) * **Acquérir** (to acquire) * **Se procurer** (to obtain, to get) * **Faire des achats** (to go shopping) * **Un achat** (a purchase) * **Un acheteur** (a buyer) * **Un vendeur** (a seller) * **Un magasin** (a store) * **Un supermarché** (a supermarket) * **Un marché** (a market) * **Un prix** (a price) * **Une affaire** (a bargain, a deal) * **Un article** (an item) * **Une marchandise** (merchandise) * **Commander** (to order) * **Régler** (to pay, to settle an account) * **Dépenser** (to spend) * **Économiser** (to save) * **Un reçu** (a receipt) * **Une facture** (an invoice) * **Rembourser** (to refund) * **Échanger** (to exchange) * **Un panier** (a shopping basket) * **Un caddie** (a shopping cart) * **En solde** (on sale) * **En promotion** (on promotion) * **Pas cher** (inexpensive) * **Cher** (expensive) * **Abordable** (affordable) * **Le commerce** (commerce, trade) * **Le consommateur** (the consumer) * **La consommation** (consumption) * **Faire les courses** (to do groceries) * **Le pouvoir d'achat** (purchasing power) * **Un bien** (a good, an item of value) * **Un service** (a service) * **Le distributeur** (the distributor) * **Le fournisseur** (the supplier) * **L'offre** (the offer, supply) * **La demande** (the demand) * **Le commerce électronique** (e-commerce) * **Un site d'achat en ligne** (an online shopping site) * **Une carte bancaire** (a bank card) * **En espèces** (in cash) * **Par chèque** (by check) * **La monnaie** (currency, change) * **Le caissier / La caissière** (the cashier) * **La file d'attente** (the queue, waiting line) * **La vitrine** (the shop window) * **Le rayon** (the department/section in a store) * **Un échantillon** (a sample) * **Essayer** (to try on - for clothes) * **Garantie** (warranty) * **Date de péremption** (expiry date) * **Date limite de consommation (DLC)** (use-by date - for food) * **Frais de port** (shipping costs) * **Livraison** (delivery) * **Retrait en magasin** (in-store pickup) * **Service après-vente (SAV)** (after-sales service) * **Client fidèle** (loyal customer) * **Carte de fidélité** (loyalty card) * **Code promo** (promo code) * **Bon d'achat** (voucher, gift certificate) * **Offre spéciale** (special offer) * **Réduction** (discount) * **Vente flash** (flash sale) * **Vente privée** (private sale) * **Achats impulsifs** (impulse buys) * **Faire des folies** (to splurge) * **Acheter à crédit** (to buy on credit) * **Un emprunt** (a loan) * **Un investissement** (an investment)
Common Mistakes
When using 'acheter,' here are some common mistakes to watch out for: * **Incorrect preposition after 'acheter':** In French, you generally don't use a preposition directly after 'acheter' to indicate what you are buying. You simply say 'acheter quelque chose' (to buy something). For example, it's 'J'achète un livre' (I buy a book), not 'J'achète de un livre' or 'J'achète pour un livre.' * **Confusing 'acheter' with 'payer':** While related, 'acheter' means 'to buy,' and 'payer' means 'to pay.' You buy something, and then you pay *for* it. For example, 'J'achète le pain' (I buy the bread) vs. 'Je paie le pain' (I pay for the bread) or 'Je paie pour le pain.' * **Gender and number agreement with past participle (when used with 'être' in passive voice or with 'avoir' and a direct object pronoun before the verb):** * **Passive Voice:** When 'acheter' is used in the passive voice with 'être,' the past participle 'acheté' must agree in gender and number with the subject. For example: 'La maison a été achet**ée**' (The house was bought), 'Les livres ont été achet**és**' (The books were bought). * **With direct object pronoun before 'avoir':** If you use 'avoir' and the direct object pronoun (le, la, les) comes *before* the verb, the past participle 'acheté' must agree with that pronoun. For example: 'J'ai vu les chaussures; je **les** ai achet**ées**' (I saw the shoes; I bought them). However, if the direct object pronoun is after 'avoir,' or if it's an indirect object, there is no agreement: 'J'ai acheté les chaussures' (I bought the shoes). * **Misplacing object pronouns:** Object pronouns (me, te, le, la, lui, nous, vous, les, leur) usually come *before* the conjugated verb 'acheter.' For example, 'Je **l**'achète' (I buy it), not 'J'achète le.' * **Using 'acheter' reflexively incorrectly:** While you can 's'acheter quelque chose' (to buy oneself something), make sure the context is correct. 'Il s'est acheté une voiture' (He bought himself a car). * **Incorrect use of 'en' with quantities:** When talking about buying *some* of something, especially with quantities, remember to use 'en' as a pronoun for the quantity. For example, 'J'achète des pommes. J'**en** achète trois.' (I buy apples. I buy three of them.) * **Not differentiating between 'acheter' and 'faire les courses' / 'faire du shopping':** 'Acheter' is the act of buying a specific item. 'Faire les courses' usually refers to grocery shopping. 'Faire du shopping' (or 'faire les magasins') refers to general shopping for clothes, gifts, etc. You wouldn't typically say 'J'achète les courses' unless you're literally buying *the act* of shopping. * **Overuse of 'acheter':** Sometimes, other verbs might be more appropriate depending on the nuance, like 'acquérir' (to acquire, often for more formal or significant purchases) or 'se procurer' (to obtain). Paying attention to these points will help you use 'acheter' more accurately and naturally in French.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Here's a list of synonyms and antonyms for 'acheter' to broaden your understanding and usage: **Synonyms for 'acheter' (to buy):** * **Acquérir:** (to acquire) - Often used for more significant or formal purchases, or gaining possession of something. * *Example: Acquérir des biens immobiliers (To acquire real estate).* * **Se procurer:** (to obtain, to get) - Implies an effort to get something, or sometimes getting something for oneself. * *Example: Se procurer des billets de concert (To get concert tickets).* * **Faire l'acquisition de:** (to make the acquisition of) - More formal way of saying 'to buy' or 'to acquire.' * *Example: Faire l'acquisition d'un tableau (To make the acquisition of a painting).* * **Emprunter:** (to borrow) - While not a direct synonym, in some contexts, one might 'borrow' money to 'buy' something. * *Example: Emprunter de l'argent pour acheter une voiture (To borrow money to buy a car).* * **Commander:** (to order) - When buying something that needs to be delivered or prepared. * *Example: Commander une pizza (To order a pizza).* * **Payer pour:** (to pay for) - Focuses on the act of payment rather than the transaction of obtaining. * *Example: Payer pour un service (To pay for a service).* * **S'offrir:** (to treat oneself to, to buy oneself) - Used when buying something as a treat or gift for oneself. * *Example: S'offrir un nouveau sac (To treat oneself to a new bag).* **Antonyms for 'acheter' (to buy):** * **Vendre:** (to sell) - The direct opposite action of buying. * *Example: Vendre sa maison (To sell one's house).* * **Céder:** (to yield, to give up, to transfer) - Can imply transferring ownership, thus the opposite of acquiring. * *Example: Céder ses parts à quelqu'un (To transfer one's shares to someone).* * **Donner:** (to give) - To provide something without expecting payment. * *Example: Donner un cadeau (To give a gift).* * **Offrir:** (to offer, to give as a gift) - Similar to 'donner,' but often with the connotation of a gift or present. * *Example: Offrir des fleurs (To offer/give flowers).* * **Recevoir:** (to receive) - To be given something, rather than buying it. * *Example: Recevoir un colis (To receive a parcel).* * **Louer:** (to rent) - To pay for the use of something for a period, without buying it. * *Example: Louer un appartement (To rent an apartment).* * **Prêter:** (to lend) - To allow someone to use something for a period, with the expectation of its return. * *Example: Prêter de l'argent (To lend money).* * **Fabriquer / Produire:** (to manufacture / to produce) - To make something oneself rather than buying it. * *Example: Fabriquer ses propres meubles (To make one's own furniture).* Understanding these synonyms and antonyms will enrich your French vocabulary and allow you to express a wider range of transactional concepts with greater precision.
語源
From Old French 'acater', from Vulgar Latin '*accaptare', from Latin 'ad-' + 'captare' (to try to catch, to chase).
文化的な背景
The word 'acheter' (to buy) in French carries a straightforward meaning, but its cultural context can be subtly influenced by French consumer habits and societal values. France has a strong tradition of local markets ('marchés'), artisanal products, and a general appreciation for quality over quantity. When someone 'achète' something, especially food, there's often an underlying appreciation for the origin, production method, and freshness of the item. 'Acheter local' (buying local) and 'acheter français' (buying French) are increasingly common sentiments reflecting a desire to support local economies and maintain traditional practices. Furthermore, the act of buying can be seen as a social experience, particularly in boutiques or at markets, where interaction with vendors is common. Unlike some cultures where haggling is expected, in most French commercial settings, prices are fixed, and attempting to negotiate can be considered impolite, especially in larger stores. However, at flea markets ('marchés aux puces') or antique shops, a polite negotiation might be acceptable. The cultural emphasis on gastronomy also means that 'acheter' food items often comes with a higher level of discernment and a more involved decision-making process than purchasing everyday necessities.
覚え方のコツ
Associate 'acheter' with 'a-chat' (a cat). Imagine buying a cat. Or, think of 'ache' in English, and imagine buying something to relieve an ache.
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Related words
Here are some related words for 'acheter' that can help you expand your vocabulary: * **Vendre** (to sell) * **Payer** (to pay) * **Coûter** (to cost) * **Acquérir** (to acquire) * **Se procurer** (to obtain, to get) * **Faire des achats** (to go shopping) * **Un achat** (a purchase) * **Un acheteur** (a buyer) * **Un vendeur** (a seller) * **Un magasin** (a store) * **Un supermarché** (a supermarket) * **Un marché** (a market) * **Un prix** (a price) * **Une affaire** (a bargain, a deal) * **Un article** (an item) * **Une marchandise** (merchandise) * **Commander** (to order) * **Régler** (to pay, to settle an account) * **Dépenser** (to spend) * **Économiser** (to save) * **Un reçu** (a receipt) * **Une facture** (an invoice) * **Rembourser** (to refund) * **Échanger** (to exchange) * **Un panier** (a shopping basket) * **Un caddie** (a shopping cart) * **En solde** (on sale) * **En promotion** (on promotion) * **Pas cher** (inexpensive) * **Cher** (expensive) * **Abordable** (affordable) * **Le commerce** (commerce, trade) * **Le consommateur** (the consumer) * **La consommation** (consumption) * **Faire les courses** (to do groceries) * **Le pouvoir d'achat** (purchasing power) * **Un bien** (a good, an item of value) * **Un service** (a service) * **Le distributeur** (the distributor) * **Le fournisseur** (the supplier) * **L'offre** (the offer, supply) * **La demande** (the demand) * **Le commerce électronique** (e-commerce) * **Un site d'achat en ligne** (an online shopping site) * **Une carte bancaire** (a bank card) * **En espèces** (in cash) * **Par chèque** (by check) * **La monnaie** (currency, change) * **Le caissier / La caissière** (the cashier) * **La file d'attente** (the queue, waiting line) * **La vitrine** (the shop window) * **Le rayon** (the department/section in a store) * **Un échantillon** (a sample) * **Essayer** (to try on - for clothes) * **Garantie** (warranty) * **Date de péremption** (expiry date) * **Date limite de consommation (DLC)** (use-by date - for food) * **Frais de port** (shipping costs) * **Livraison** (delivery) * **Retrait en magasin** (in-store pickup) * **Service après-vente (SAV)** (after-sales service) * **Client fidèle** (loyal customer) * **Carte de fidélité** (loyalty card) * **Code promo** (promo code) * **Bon d'achat** (voucher, gift certificate) * **Offre spéciale** (special offer) * **Réduction** (discount) * **Vente flash** (flash sale) * **Vente privée** (private sale) * **Achats impulsifs** (impulse buys) * **Faire des folies** (to splurge) * **Acheter à crédit** (to buy on credit) * **Un emprunt** (a loan) * **Un investissement** (an investment)
Common Mistakes
When using 'acheter,' here are some common mistakes to watch out for: * **Incorrect preposition after 'acheter':** In French, you generally don't use a preposition directly after 'acheter' to indicate what you are buying. You simply say 'acheter quelque chose' (to buy something). For example, it's 'J'achète un livre' (I buy a book), not 'J'achète de un livre' or 'J'achète pour un livre.' * **Confusing 'acheter' with 'payer':** While related, 'acheter' means 'to buy,' and 'payer' means 'to pay.' You buy something, and then you pay *for* it. For example, 'J'achète le pain' (I buy the bread) vs. 'Je paie le pain' (I pay for the bread) or 'Je paie pour le pain.' * **Gender and number agreement with past participle (when used with 'être' in passive voice or with 'avoir' and a direct object pronoun before the verb):** * **Passive Voice:** When 'acheter' is used in the passive voice with 'être,' the past participle 'acheté' must agree in gender and number with the subject. For example: 'La maison a été achet**ée**' (The house was bought), 'Les livres ont été achet**és**' (The books were bought). * **With direct object pronoun before 'avoir':** If you use 'avoir' and the direct object pronoun (le, la, les) comes *before* the verb, the past participle 'acheté' must agree with that pronoun. For example: 'J'ai vu les chaussures; je **les** ai achet**ées**' (I saw the shoes; I bought them). However, if the direct object pronoun is after 'avoir,' or if it's an indirect object, there is no agreement: 'J'ai acheté les chaussures' (I bought the shoes). * **Misplacing object pronouns:** Object pronouns (me, te, le, la, lui, nous, vous, les, leur) usually come *before* the conjugated verb 'acheter.' For example, 'Je **l**'achète' (I buy it), not 'J'achète le.' * **Using 'acheter' reflexively incorrectly:** While you can 's'acheter quelque chose' (to buy oneself something), make sure the context is correct. 'Il s'est acheté une voiture' (He bought himself a car). * **Incorrect use of 'en' with quantities:** When talking about buying *some* of something, especially with quantities, remember to use 'en' as a pronoun for the quantity. For example, 'J'achète des pommes. J'**en** achète trois.' (I buy apples. I buy three of them.) * **Not differentiating between 'acheter' and 'faire les courses' / 'faire du shopping':** 'Acheter' is the act of buying a specific item. 'Faire les courses' usually refers to grocery shopping. 'Faire du shopping' (or 'faire les magasins') refers to general shopping for clothes, gifts, etc. You wouldn't typically say 'J'achète les courses' unless you're literally buying *the act* of shopping. * **Overuse of 'acheter':** Sometimes, other verbs might be more appropriate depending on the nuance, like 'acquérir' (to acquire, often for more formal or significant purchases) or 'se procurer' (to obtain). Paying attention to these points will help you use 'acheter' more accurately and naturally in French.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Here's a list of synonyms and antonyms for 'acheter' to broaden your understanding and usage: **Synonyms for 'acheter' (to buy):** * **Acquérir:** (to acquire) - Often used for more significant or formal purchases, or gaining possession of something. * *Example: Acquérir des biens immobiliers (To acquire real estate).* * **Se procurer:** (to obtain, to get) - Implies an effort to get something, or sometimes getting something for oneself. * *Example: Se procurer des billets de concert (To get concert tickets).* * **Faire l'acquisition de:** (to make the acquisition of) - More formal way of saying 'to buy' or 'to acquire.' * *Example: Faire l'acquisition d'un tableau (To make the acquisition of a painting).* * **Emprunter:** (to borrow) - While not a direct synonym, in some contexts, one might 'borrow' money to 'buy' something. * *Example: Emprunter de l'argent pour acheter une voiture (To borrow money to buy a car).* * **Commander:** (to order) - When buying something that needs to be delivered or prepared. * *Example: Commander une pizza (To order a pizza).* * **Payer pour:** (to pay for) - Focuses on the act of payment rather than the transaction of obtaining. * *Example: Payer pour un service (To pay for a service).* * **S'offrir:** (to treat oneself to, to buy oneself) - Used when buying something as a treat or gift for oneself. * *Example: S'offrir un nouveau sac (To treat oneself to a new bag).* **Antonyms for 'acheter' (to buy):** * **Vendre:** (to sell) - The direct opposite action of buying. * *Example: Vendre sa maison (To sell one's house).* * **Céder:** (to yield, to give up, to transfer) - Can imply transferring ownership, thus the opposite of acquiring. * *Example: Céder ses parts à quelqu'un (To transfer one's shares to someone).* * **Donner:** (to give) - To provide something without expecting payment. * *Example: Donner un cadeau (To give a gift).* * **Offrir:** (to offer, to give as a gift) - Similar to 'donner,' but often with the connotation of a gift or present. * *Example: Offrir des fleurs (To offer/give flowers).* * **Recevoir:** (to receive) - To be given something, rather than buying it. * *Example: Recevoir un colis (To receive a parcel).* * **Louer:** (to rent) - To pay for the use of something for a period, without buying it. * *Example: Louer un appartement (To rent an apartment).* * **Prêter:** (to lend) - To allow someone to use something for a period, with the expectation of its return. * *Example: Prêter de l'argent (To lend money).* * **Fabriquer / Produire:** (to manufacture / to produce) - To make something oneself rather than buying it. * *Example: Fabriquer ses propres meubles (To make one's own furniture).* Understanding these synonyms and antonyms will enrich your French vocabulary and allow you to express a wider range of transactional concepts with greater precision.
例文
5 / 5J'achète du pain tous les jours.
I buy bread every day.
Elle a acheté une nouvelle voiture le mois dernier.
She bought a new car last month.
Nous devons acheter des billets pour le concert.
We need to buy tickets for the concert.
Tu achètes quoi pour le dîner ce soir ?
What are you buying for dinner tonight?
Ils achètent des produits locaux pour soutenir les agriculteurs.
They buy local products to support farmers.
関連コンテンツ
関連フレーズ
false_friendsの関連語
actuel
A2Primary meaning: current, present.
actuellement
A2Primary meaning: currently, nowadays.
affaire
A2Primary meaning: business, matter, deal.
ancien
A2Primary meaning: former, old.
annoyer
A2Primary meaning: to annoy.
assister
A2Primary meaning: to attend.
attendre
A2Primary meaning: to wait.
audience
A2Primary meaning: hearing, formal meeting.
avertir
A2Primary meaning: to warn, notify.
avertissement
A2Primary meaning: warning.
