une succursale
une succursale 30秒で
- A 'succursale' is a branch office of a company, legally and financially tied to its headquarters.
- It is a feminine noun (une succursale) used mainly in banking, retail, and professional contexts.
- Unlike a 'filiale' (subsidiary), a 'succursale' does not have its own separate legal identity.
- It is essential for describing business expansion and local service points in French-speaking countries.
The French term une succursale refers to a physical or organizational extension of a main company, which in English we most commonly call a 'branch' or 'branch office.' Unlike a completely independent company, a succursale is legally tied to its parent organization, serving as a local representative to provide services or sell goods in a specific geographic area. You will encounter this word most frequently in professional, financial, and commercial contexts. For instance, if you are looking for a specific bank in a small town, you are looking for a succursale bancaire. In the retail world, large chains like Carrefour or FNAC have many succursales across France and the world. Understanding this word is essential for navigating the French business landscape, as it distinguishes between the 'headquarters' (le siège social) and the local outlets that interact directly with the public. It is a feminine noun, so it is always une succursale or la succursale.
- Business Categorization
- In legal terms, a succursale does not have its own legal personality separate from the parent company, which distinguishes it from a 'filiale' (subsidiary).
La banque a décidé d'ouvrir une succursale dans ce nouveau quartier résidentiel pour attirer plus de clients.
The usage of succursale is quite specific. While in English 'branch' can be used for trees, families, or businesses, in French, succursale is strictly reserved for the commercial and administrative sense. You would never use it to describe a branch of a tree (which is une branche). It implies a level of permanence and structure. It is not just a temporary pop-up shop; it is a established location meant to handle operations on behalf of the main entity. When people discuss the expansion of a brand, they often talk about 'le réseau de succursales' (the network of branches). This word reflects the centralized nature of many French organizations, where the 'siège' (seat/headquarters) in Paris might control dozens of succursales across the provinces.
- Etymological Connection
- The word comes from the Latin 'succursus', meaning 'help' or 'aid', implying that the branch is there to assist the main office in reaching more people.
Toutes les succursales de ce magasin de vêtements ferment à vingt heures le samedi.
Furthermore, the word carries a connotation of standardization. When you walk into a succursale, you expect the same services, products, and branding as the main office. This is why it is so common in the banking and retail sectors. Managers of these locations are often called 'directeurs de succursale'. In the modern digital age, the term is still relevant as physical locations remain vital for services that cannot be fully digitized, such as notary services or specialized banking consultations. In summary, use succursale when you want to sound professional and precise about a local office of a larger company.
- Common Collocations
- Ouvrir une succursale, gérer une succursale, la succursale locale, une succursale étrangère.
Il travaille comme comptable dans la succursale bordelaise de l'entreprise.
In conclusion, une succursale is a cornerstone word for anyone looking to work in a French-speaking business environment or simply navigate French towns where shops and banks are organized into these networks. Its feminine gender and specific double-c, double-s spelling make it a good test for intermediate learners. Remember: it's an extension of the same company, not a separate one.
Using une succursale correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its typical prepositional companions. Most often, you will see it preceded by 'une', 'la', or 'cette'. Because it refers to a location, it is frequently used with the preposition 'dans' (in) or 'à' (at). For example, 'Je travaille dans une succursale' or 'Rendez-vous à la succursale de la rue de Rivoli'. It is important to note that when specifying which branch you are talking about, you use 'de' to link it to the parent company or the location: 'la succursale de la BNP' or 'la succursale de Lyon'.
- Preposition Usage
- Use 'dans' for being inside the office and 'à' for the general location or address.
Veuillez déposer ces documents à la succursale la plus proche de chez vous.
When pluralizing, it becomes des succursales. You might say, 'Notre entreprise possède plusieurs succursales à l'étranger'. Here, the word is used to show the scale of an operation. It is also common to use adjectives to describe the type or location of the branch. Phrases like 'une succursale principale' (a main branch) or 'une succursale régionale' (a regional branch) are standard in business reports and corporate communication. The word also appears in the context of closures or openings: 'la fermeture d'une succursale' or 'l'ouverture d'une succursale'. These are heavy topics in French economic news, reflecting the changing landscape of physical commerce.
- Verbs Commonly Used
- Diriger (to manage), inaugurer (to inaugurate), fermer (to close), implanter (to establish).
Le directeur a visité chaque succursale pour s'assurer de la qualité du service.
In more advanced contexts, you might hear about the 'gestion des succursales'. This refers to the management and logistical oversight of multiple branches. Because a succursale is not a separate legal entity, its accounting and legal liabilities are directly tied to the head office. Therefore, sentences might involve legal or financial terminology: 'Les bénéfices de la succursale sont consolidés au niveau du groupe'. This means the profits are added up at the group level. Even if you are not a business expert, knowing how to say 'Où se trouve la succursale?' is a practical skill for any traveler or expat in a French-speaking country.
- Sentence Structure Tip
- When listing locations, you can say: 'Nous avons des succursales à Paris, Lyon et Marseille.'
Est-ce que cette succursale propose les mêmes promotions que le magasin principal ?
Finally, always pay attention to the pronunciation. The 'u' in the first syllable is the classic French /y/ sound, and the 'cc' is pronounced like /ks/ (like in 'success'). Mastering the sentence 'C'est une succursale' will help you practice these tricky sounds while using a very practical piece of vocabulary.
The word succursale is ubiquitous in the French professional world, but where exactly will you hear it? First and foremost, you will hear it in the banking sector. When you open a bank account in France, you are usually assigned to a 'succursale de rattachement' (home branch). If you call customer service, they might ask you, 'De quelle succursale dépendez-vous ?' (Which branch do you belong to?). This is common with banks like Société Générale, BNP Paribas, or Crédit Agricole. Even if you do most of your banking online, the physical branch remains the point of reference for your legal documents and specialized meetings.
- Banking Context
- The 'succursale' is your primary physical point of contact for complex banking needs.
Pour retirer votre nouvelle carte bancaire, merci de vous présenter à votre succursale habituelle.
Secondly, you will hear it in retail and large-scale distribution. When a company like Darty or Boulanger opens a new store, the local press will often report on the 'nouvelle succursale'. In corporate meetings, managers will discuss the performance of different succursales compared to one another. If you are looking for a job in retail, you might see advertisements for 'responsable de succursale'. This implies a role with significant responsibility, overseeing staff and stock for that specific location. It's a term that conveys a sense of corporate hierarchy and organizational structure.
- Retail Context
- Large retail chains manage hundreds of succursales to ensure they are close to their customers.
Le groupe envisage de fermer les succursales qui ne sont plus rentables cette année.
Another place you will encounter the word is in legal and administrative documents. If you are filling out a form for a business license or a tax declaration, you might see a field for 'adresse de la succursale'. In this context, it is a technical term used to ensure that the authorities know exactly where business activities are taking place. Similarly, in the world of international business, a foreign company operating in France without creating a separate French company would be said to have a 'succursale étrangère' (foreign branch). This has specific tax implications that lawyers and accountants discuss frequently.
- Administrative Context
- Legal forms often distinguish between the 'siège social' (main office) and the 'succursale' (branch).
Chaque succursale doit tenir ses propres registres de vente quotidiens.
Finally, you might hear it in everyday logistics. If you order something online and want to pick it up, the website might show you a list of 'succursales' where the item is available for 'click and collect'. While 'magasin' is more common for customers, 'succursale' is used when the focus is on the logistics of the network. So, whether you are reading the financial news, looking for a bank, or applying for a corporate job, succursale is a word that will keep appearing in your French-speaking life.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with succursale is a semantic error: using it to mean a 'branch' of a tree. In English, 'branch' is a versatile word, but in French, these concepts are strictly separated. A tree branch is une branche. If you tell a Frenchman that a bird is sitting on a 'succursale', they will be very confused! Always remember that succursale is for business, and branche is for nature (or for 'branches' of knowledge, like 'une branche de la science').
- The 'Tree' Trap
- Never use 'succursale' for a tree. Use 'branche' for trees and 'succursale' for offices.
Incorrect: L'oiseau est sur la succursale du chêne. (Wrong word!)
Another common pitfall is spelling. The word contains a double 'c' and a double 's', which can be tricky. It is 'succursale' (note: only one 's' before the 'a', but many learners accidentally double it or forget the double 'c'). Spanish speakers often make the mistake of writing it with one 'c' because the Spanish equivalent is 'sucursal'. In French, that double 'c' is vital for the /ks/ pronunciation. Also, remember it is a feminine noun. Saying 'un succursale' is a very common error for beginners. It must always be 'une succursale'.
- Gender Confusion
- Many learners assume business terms are masculine. 'Succursale' is feminine: une succursale, la succursale.
Correct: C'est une succursale très moderne.
A more subtle mistake is the confusion between succursale and filiale. While they both translate to 'branch' or 'subsidiary' in casual English, they have different legal meanings in French. A succursale is just an office of the parent company (no separate legal existence). A filiale is a separate company where the parent company owns more than 50% of the shares. If you are in a high-level business meeting, using the wrong term could lead to legal or financial misunderstandings. Similarly, don't confuse it with agence, which is often used for service-based branches (like travel agencies or real estate), whereas succursale is more common for banks and retail stores.
- Pronunciation Error
- The 'u' is /y/ (lips rounded like you're whistling), not /u/ (like 'boot').
Attention : Ne confondez pas succursale et filiale lors de votre présentation financière.
Lastly, avoid using 'succursale' when you mean a 'department' of a company. A department (like HR or Marketing) is un département or un service. A succursale is always a separate physical location. If you keep these distinctions in mind—business vs. nature, feminine gender, and legal status—you will use succursale like a native speaker.
To truly master une succursale, you need to know how it fits into the ecosystem of similar French business terms. The most common alternative is une agence. In many contexts, these are interchangeable, especially for banks. However, agence is often used for businesses that provide a service rather than selling a physical product (e.g., une agence immobilière, une agence de voyages). Succursale sounds slightly more formal and is more common in large-scale retail.
- Succursale vs. Agence
- Succursale: More common for banks and retail chains. Agence: Preferred for real estate, travel, and insurance.
Je vais à l'agence pour signer le bail, puis à la succursale de la banque pour le prêt.
Another crucial word is une filiale. As mentioned before, this is a subsidiary. The key difference is legal: a filiale has its own legal identity, while a succursale is just a part of the parent company. In English, we often use 'subsidiary' for both, but in French, the distinction is vital for tax and legal reasons. If a company wants to limit its liability in a new country, it might open a filiale instead of a succursale. Another term is une antenne, which literally means 'antenna' but is used metaphorically for a small local office or a 'branch' of a radio or TV station.
- Succursale vs. Filiale
- Succursale: Same legal entity. Filiale: Separate legal entity (subsidiary).
L'entreprise a ouvert une succursale à Lyon, mais sa filiale américaine est basée à New York.
For retail, you might also use un point de vente (point of sale/outlet). This is a very broad term that includes everything from a tiny kiosk to a massive supermarket. It focus on the act of selling. Succursale is more about the organizational link. You might also hear un établissement secondaire in very formal legal contexts. Finally, contrast succursale with le siège social (headquarters). The siège is the brain, and the succursales are the limbs. If you are describing a company's structure, you might say: 'Le siège est à Paris, mais nous avons des succursales partout en France'.
- Summary of Alternatives
- Agence (Services), Filiale (Subsidiary), Point de vente (Retail outlet), Antenne (Small local office).
Plutôt que d'ouvrir une succursale, ils ont opté pour un système de franchise.
Lastly, don't forget une franchise. In a succursale, the parent company owns the store and employs the staff. In a franchise, an independent business owner pays to use the brand name and systems. This is a common business model for McDonald's or Subway in France. Knowing these nuances will help you navigate professional conversations with confidence and precision.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
Before it was a business term, 'succursale' was a religious term for a secondary church built to help people who lived too far from the main one.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing 'u' like 'oo' in 'food'.
- Pronouncing 'cc' like 's' (it should be 'k').
- Forgetting the double 'c' in spelling.
- Pronouncing it like the English 'success' with a 'ks' sound (in French it's just 'k').
- Using the masculine 'un' instead of 'une'.
難易度
Easy to recognize if you know 'branch', but spelling can be tricky.
The double 'c' and double 's' (in related words) often cause errors.
The /y/ sound and the /k/ sound require practice.
Clearly pronounced, usually easy to distinguish in business contexts.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
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知っておくべき文法
Feminine Noun Agreement
Une nouvelle succursale (The adjective 'nouvelle' must be feminine).
Prepositions of Place (à vs dans)
Je suis à la succursale (location) / Je suis dans la succursale (inside).
Possessive De
La succursale de l'entreprise (Use 'de' to link the branch to the owner).
Pluralization
Des succursales (Add 's' for plural, but pronunciation remains the same).
Demonstrative Adjectives
Cette succursale (Use 'cette' for feminine singular).
レベル別の例文
Où est la succursale de la banque ?
Where is the bank branch?
Uses 'la' because succursale is feminine.
Il y a une succursale ici.
There is a branch here.
Simple existential sentence with 'il y a'.
La succursale est ouverte.
The branch is open.
Adjective 'ouverte' agrees with the feminine noun.
C'est une petite succursale.
It is a small branch.
Adjective 'petite' is feminine.
Je cherche la succursale de la poste.
I am looking for the post office branch.
Use 'de la' to indicate possession/belonging.
La succursale est à Paris.
The branch is in Paris.
Uses the preposition 'à' for a city.
Elle travaille dans une succursale.
She works in a branch.
Preposition 'dans' indicates being inside the location.
Voici la succursale.
Here is the branch.
Use 'voici' to introduce a location.
Ma banque a une succursale dans chaque ville.
My bank has a branch in every city.
Uses 'chaque' to indicate distribution.
Nous ouvrons une nouvelle succursale demain.
We are opening a new branch tomorrow.
Adjective 'nouvelle' precedes the noun.
Le directeur de la succursale est très sympa.
The branch manager is very nice.
Compound noun phrase 'directeur de la succursale'.
Cette succursale ferme à dix-huit heures.
This branch closes at 6 PM.
Demonstrative adjective 'cette' is feminine.
Vous pouvez aller à la succursale de Lyon.
You can go to the Lyon branch.
Modal verb 'pouvez' followed by infinitive 'aller'.
Il y a trop de monde dans cette succursale.
There are too many people in this branch.
Expression 'trop de' followed by a noun.
La succursale se trouve près de la gare.
The branch is located near the station.
Pronominal verb 'se trouver' for location.
J'ai rendez-vous à la succursale à midi.
I have an appointment at the branch at noon.
Preposition 'à' for both location and time.
L'entreprise a décidé de fermer sa succursale déficitaire.
The company decided to close its loss-making branch.
Adjective 'déficitaire' describes the financial state.
Chaque succursale doit envoyer un rapport mensuel au siège.
Each branch must send a monthly report to headquarters.
Contrast between 'succursale' and 'siège'.
Elle a été promue responsable de la succursale de Bordeaux.
She was promoted to manager of the Bordeaux branch.
Passive voice 'a été promue'.
Il est plus pratique d'aller à la succursale locale.
It is more practical to go to the local branch.
Comparative structure 'plus... que' (implied).
Les succursales de ce magasin sont toutes identiques.
The branches of this store are all identical.
Plural agreement 'toutes identiques'.
Nous devons recruter du personnel pour la nouvelle succursale.
We need to recruit staff for the new branch.
Verb 'recruter' in a business context.
La succursale propose des services personnalisés aux clients.
The branch offers personalized services to customers.
Direct object 'des services personnalisés'.
Le réseau de succursales s'étend sur tout le pays.
The branch network extends across the whole country.
Subject 'le réseau de succursales' is singular.
Une succursale n'a pas d'existence juridique propre, contrairement à une filiale.
A branch has no legal existence of its own, unlike a subsidiary.
Use of 'contrairement à' for contrast.
La direction a ordonné un audit complet de chaque succursale.
Management ordered a full audit of each branch.
Business term 'audit complet'.
L'implantation d'une succursale à l'étranger demande une étude de marché.
Establishing a branch abroad requires a market study.
Noun 'implantation' from the verb 'implanter'.
Les bénéfices réalisés par la succursale sont imposés au siège social.
The profits made by the branch are taxed at the headquarters.
Passive voice with financial terminology.
Le groupe cherche à uniformiser l'image de marque dans toutes ses succursales.
The group seeks to standardize the brand image in all its branches.
Verb 'uniformiser' meaning to standardize.
La succursale dispose d'une certaine autonomie de gestion au quotidien.
The branch has a certain management autonomy on a daily basis.
Phrase 'disposer de' meaning to have at one's disposal.
Malgré la numérisation, la succursale physique reste essentielle pour le conseil.
Despite digitization, the physical branch remains essential for advice.
Conjunction 'malgré' followed by a noun.
La fermeture de cette succursale a provoqué des manifestations locales.
The closure of this branch caused local protests.
Verb 'provoquer' indicating cause and effect.
L'ouverture d'une succursale permet d'éviter les lourdeurs administratives d'une création de société.
Opening a branch avoids the administrative burdens of creating a company.
Gerund-like use of 'l'ouverture' and 'la création'.
La succursale agit au nom et pour le compte de la société mère.
The branch acts in the name and on behalf of the parent company.
Legal idiom 'au nom et pour le compte de'.
Le droit fiscal définit précisément les critères de l'établissement stable pour une succursale.
Tax law precisely defines the criteria for a permanent establishment for a branch.
Technical term 'établissement stable'.
Les créanciers de la succursale peuvent se retourner contre la société principale.
The branch's creditors can take action against the main company.
Pronominal verb 'se retourner contre' in a legal sense.
La rentabilité d'une succursale est souvent corrélée à son emplacement stratégique.
The profitability of a branch is often correlated with its strategic location.
Past participle 'corrélée' acting as an adjective.
Le directeur de succursale doit naviguer entre directives centrales et réalités locales.
The branch manager must navigate between central directives and local realities.
Metaphorical use of 'naviguer'.
Une succursale étrangère peut poser des défis complexes en matière de prix de transfert.
A foreign branch can pose complex challenges regarding transfer pricing.
Advanced business term 'prix de transfert'.
L'optimisation du maillage des succursales est un enjeu majeur pour la logistique.
Optimizing the branch network layout is a major challenge for logistics.
Sophisticated noun 'maillage' (mesh/network).
La succursale constitue une simple extension géographique dépourvue de patrimoine propre.
The branch constitutes a simple geographic extension devoid of its own assets.
Adjective 'dépourvue' meaning 'lacking'.
L'absence de personnalité morale de la succursale simplifie sa dissolution éventuelle.
The branch's lack of legal personality simplifies its eventual dissolution.
Abstract noun 'personnalité morale'.
Les flux financiers entre le siège et la succursale sont scrutés par les autorités de régulation.
Financial flows between headquarters and the branch are scrutinized by regulatory authorities.
Passive voice with 'scrutés'.
Le statut de succursale permet d'éprouver un marché avant d'envisager une filialisation.
Branch status allows for testing a market before considering subsidiarization.
Verb 'éprouver' meaning to test or experience.
La succursale est le vecteur privilégié de la proximité client dans le secteur bancaire traditionnel.
The branch is the preferred vector for customer proximity in the traditional banking sector.
Sophisticated term 'vecteur privilégié'.
La responsabilité de la société mère est illimitée quant aux engagements souscrits par sa succursale.
The parent company's liability is unlimited regarding commitments made by its branch.
Formal phrase 'quant aux engagements souscrits'.
L'arbitrage entre succursale et filiale relève d'une stratégie fiscale et opérationnelle globale.
The choice between a branch and a subsidiary is a matter of global tax and operational strategy.
Verb 'relever de' meaning to pertain to.
L'obsolescence programmée de certaines succursales physiques interroge sur l'avenir du commerce de proximité.
The planned obsolescence of certain physical branches raises questions about the future of local commerce.
Complex subject 'L'obsolescence programmée de certaines succursales'.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— At the branch. Used to indicate location.
On se retrouve à la succursale de la banque.
— In our branch. Used by employees or the company.
Vous trouverez ce produit dans notre succursale de Lille.
— Per branch. Used for statistics or distribution.
Le chiffre d'affaires par succursale est stable.
— Branch manager. A common job title.
Elle est responsable de succursale depuis trois ans.
— Opening of a branch. Common in news and business.
L'ouverture d'une succursale à Lyon est prévue pour juin.
— Closing of a branch. Often implies restructuring.
La fermeture d'une succursale est toujours une décision difficile.
— The nearest branch. Very common in customer service.
Où se trouve la succursale la plus proche ?
— Dependent on the branch. Used for administrative links.
Votre dossier est dépendant de la succursale de Nice.
— To transfer to a branch. Used for documents or staff.
Je vais transférer votre dossier à une succursale locale.
— To visit a branch. Used by management or customers.
Le PDG va visiter la succursale demain.
よく混同される語
A tree branch. Never use 'succursale' for nature.
A subsidiary with separate legal identity. A succursale is legally the same company.
Often used for services (real estate, travel), while succursale is for banks/retail.
慣用句と表現
— To act as an extension or to multiply locations. (Rare/Literary)
L'idée a fait succursale dans tout le pays.
literary— A limited, local mindset focused only on one's small branch rather than the whole company.
Il faut éviter l'esprit de succursale pour réussir l'intégration.
business— Metaphorically, to expand one's influence or activities rapidly.
Ce projet commence à ouvrir des succursales inattendues.
figurative— To run a branch office.
Il tient une succursale de la banque à la campagne.
neutral— To operate under the name and authority of a larger entity.
Cette petite agence bat pavillon de succursale pour le grand groupe.
metaphorical— A humorous way to describe a very unpleasant or chaotic place.
Ce bureau le lundi matin, c'est une succursale de l'enfer !
informal— To be officially assigned to a specific branch.
Je suis rattaché à la succursale du 15ème arrondissement.
administrative— To live in a secondary or smaller location, away from the center of action.
Il en avait marre de vivre en succursale et voulait retourner à Paris.
figurative— A management style that is decentralized but strictly controlled.
La gestion en succursale permet une flexibilité locale.
professional— A single part of a larger chain or network.
Chaque magasin est un maillon de succursale essentiel.
business間違えやすい
Both translate to 'branch' in English.
'Branche' is for trees or abstract divisions of knowledge. 'Succursale' is for physical business offices.
L'oiseau est sur la branche. La banque a une succursale.
Both refer to secondary business locations.
A 'filiale' is a separate company (subsidiary). A 'succursale' is an extension of the same company.
La succursale n'a pas de capital propre.
Commonly used for bank branches.
'Agence' is more generic and informal for services. 'Succursale' is the formal administrative term.
Je vais à l'agence bancaire.
Both are company locations.
The 'siège social' is the main head office. The 'succursale' is a local branch.
Le siège est à Paris, la succursale est à Lyon.
Both can be shops.
A 'boutique' is a small shop, often independent. A 'succursale' is part of a large chain.
C'est une succursale de Zara.
文型パターン
C'est une succursale.
C'est une succursale de la poste.
Je vais à la succursale de [City].
Je vais à la succursale de Lyon.
Nous ouvrons une succursale pour [Reason].
Nous ouvrons une succursale pour aider les clients locaux.
La succursale ne possède pas de [Noun].
La succursale ne possède pas de personnalité juridique.
L'implantation d'une succursale implique [Consequence].
L'implantation d'une succursale implique des obligations fiscales.
Le maillage des succursales est corrélé à [Factor].
Le maillage des succursales est corrélé à la densité de population.
Où est la succursale ?
Où est la succursale la plus proche ?
Il travaille dans une succursale.
Il travaille dans une succursale depuis hier.
語族
名詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
High in business, medium in daily life.
-
Un succursale
→
Une succursale
The word is feminine. Always use 'une' or 'la'.
-
La succursale de l'arbre
→
La branche de l'arbre
Succursale is only for business. Use 'branche' for trees.
-
Sucursale (one C)
→
Succursale (two Cs)
The French spelling requires a double 'c'.
-
Succursalle (two Ls)
→
Succursale (one L)
Unlike 'salle' (room), 'succursale' only has one 'l'.
-
Using succursale for a subsidiary company
→
Using filiale
A subsidiary is a separate legal entity; a branch is not.
ヒント
Double the C
Remember the double 'c'. It's 'suCCursale'. Think of it as a 'Company Connection'.
Always Feminine
Associate it with 'la banque' (feminine) to remember it is 'une succursale'.
Business Only
Only use this word for offices and shops. Never for nature or science.
The /y/ Sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'u' correctly. Round your lips as if you are going to say 'oo' but say 'ee' instead.
Substitute with Agence
If you forget 'succursale' in a bank, 'agence' is a perfectly acceptable and common substitute.
Succursale vs Filiale
In a legal exam or business meeting, remember that a 'succursale' is NOT a separate company.
Regional Use
In Quebec, use 'succursale' for liquor stores (SAQ) and government offices.
Success Sale
A 'Succursale' is where a 'Success-ful Sale' happens locally.
Preposition Tip
Use 'à la succursale' when talking about going there, and 'dans la succursale' when talking about working inside.
Job Titles
Look for 'Responsable de succursale' on LinkedIn if you want to manage a local branch.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of 'Success' and 'Sale'. A 'Succursale' is a place where a company has 'Success' in making a 'Sale' at a local level.
視覚的連想
Imagine a giant tree where the trunk is the 'Siège Social' and the branches have little office desks on them labeled 'Succursale'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to find the 'succursale' of your favorite French brand online and write down its address using the word 'succursale'.
語源
From the Latin word 'succursus', which is the past participle of 'succurrere' (to run to help, to assist). It entered French in the 17th century.
元の意味: Originally referred to a chapel or church that 'assisted' a main parish by serving a remote area.
Romance (Latin)文化的な背景
No specific sensitivities, but be aware of the legal difference between a branch and a subsidiary in professional settings.
In English, we often just say 'branch'. 'Succursale' sounds more formal and technical to English ears.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Banking
- Ma succursale bancaire
- Changer de succursale
- Rendez-vous en succursale
- Horaires de la succursale
Retail
- Une succursale du magasin
- Stock disponible en succursale
- Retrait en succursale
- Nouvelle succursale de mode
Business Strategy
- Développer le réseau de succursales
- Rentabilité de la succursale
- Audit de succursale
- Fermeture de succursales non rentables
Job Search
- Poste en succursale
- Responsable de succursale
- Travailler en succursale
- Offre d'emploi succursale
Legal/Admin
- Adresse de la succursale
- Statut de succursale
- Succursale étrangère
- Enregistrement de succursale
会話のきっかけ
"Savez-vous où se trouve la succursale la plus proche de la BNP ?"
"Est-ce que vous préférez travailler au siège social ou dans une succursale ?"
"Pensez-vous que les succursales bancaires vont disparaître avec internet ?"
"Est-ce que cette succursale propose les mêmes produits que celle de Paris ?"
"Avez-vous déjà géré une succursale à l'étranger ?"
日記のテーマ
Décrivez votre visite dans une succursale bancaire. Qu'avez-vous remarqué sur l'organisation ?
Si vous deviez ouvrir une succursale de votre entreprise préférée, où l'ouvririez-vous et pourquoi ?
Quels sont les avantages et les inconvénients de travailler dans une petite succursale plutôt qu'au siège ?
Imaginez l'avenir des succursales physiques dans un monde totalement numérique.
Racontez une expérience où vous avez dû vous rendre dans une succursale pour régler un problème complexe.
よくある質問
10 問It is feminine: 'une succursale'. Even though many business terms in French are masculine, this one follows the feminine gender. You should say 'la succursale est ouverte' and 'une grande succursale'.
No, absolutely not. For a tree branch, you must use the word 'une branche'. 'Succursale' is strictly used for business, banking, and administrative offices. Using it for a tree would sound very strange to a native speaker.
The difference is legal. A 'succursale' is an extension of the parent company and has no separate legal existence. A 'filiale' (subsidiary) is a separate legal entity where the parent company owns a majority of the shares. This matters for taxes and liability.
They are often used interchangeably in banking, but 'agence' is more common for services (like real estate or travel agencies), while 'succursale' is the more formal term for retail and banking branches. 'Succursale' implies a larger corporate network.
The double 'c' is pronounced like a 'k' (/k/). Unlike the word 'succès' where it sounds like 'ks', in 'succursale', it is a simple hard 'k' sound. So it sounds like 'su-kur-sal'.
Yes, this is called 'une succursale étrangère'. It is a common way for companies to start operating in a new country without the complexity of creating a new legal corporation immediately. However, it still has specific tax rules.
Yes, very much so! In Quebec, it is used frequently for government stores (like the SAQ) and retail outlets. It is perhaps even more common in daily speech in Canada than it is in France, where 'magasin' might be used more often.
This is a branch manager. They are responsible for the daily operations, staff, and sales of that specific location. It is a common management role in banking and retail chains.
Etymologically, it comes from the Latin 'succurrere' (to run to help). Historically, it referred to a small chapel built to 'help' a main church serve a large or distant area. The meaning later shifted to business branches.
Yes, the plural is 'succursales'. You just add an 's' at the end. The pronunciation remains the same as the singular form. Example: 'Nous avons plusieurs succursales'.
自分をテスト 190 問
Write a sentence using 'succursale' and 'banque'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The branch is closed today.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about working in a branch in Paris.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between a 'siège' and a 'succursale'.
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Translate: 'We are opening a new branch in Lyon.'
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Describe a 'directeur de succursale'.
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Write a sentence about a foreign branch.
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Translate: 'The branch manager is very busy.'
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Explain why a branch might close.
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Write a formal email sentence mentioning a branch.
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Translate: 'I need the address of the nearest branch.'
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Write a sentence using the plural 'succursales'.
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Translate: 'The branch network is expanding.'
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Describe the services of a bank branch.
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Write a sentence about a 'succursale déficitaire'.
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Translate: 'Every branch must follow the rules.'
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Write a sentence about 'l'implantation d'une succursale'.
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Translate: 'The profits of the branch are good.'
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Explain 'personnalité morale' in relation to a branch.
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Write a short story about a new branch opening.
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Pronounce: 'Une succursale'.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Je vais à la succursale.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Ask: 'Où est la succursale de la banque ?'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Je travaille dans une succursale à Paris.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Le directeur de la succursale est là.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Nous ouvrons une nouvelle succursale.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'La succursale est fermée aujourd'hui.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'C'est une succursale très moderne.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Il y a trop de monde dans la succursale.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'La succursale se trouve près de la gare.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Veuillez contacter votre succursale.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Chaque succursale a son propre directeur.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Les succursales sont toutes identiques.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Je cherche la succursale la plus proche.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'La succursale est ouverte jusqu'à 18h.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'C'est une succursale de la BNP.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Elle gère trois succursales.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'La succursale est en travaux.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Le réseau de succursales est vaste.'
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あなたの回答:
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Say: 'Bienvenue dans notre succursale.'
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あなたの回答:
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Listen to the word: [Audio: une succursale]. What is it?
Listen: [Audio: La succursale est fermée]. Is it open?
Listen: [Audio: Où est la succursale ?]. What is being asked?
Listen: [Audio: Je travaille à la succursale de Lyon]. Where does the person work?
Listen: [Audio: Le directeur de la succursale est là]. Who is there?
Listen: [Audio: Nous ouvrons une succursale demain]. When is it opening?
Listen: [Audio: La succursale est près de la poste]. Where is it?
Listen: [Audio: Il y a trois succursales]. How many branches?
Listen: [Audio: La succursale est ouverte le samedi]. Is it open on Saturday?
Listen: [Audio: Appelez la succursale]. What should you do?
Listen: [Audio: La succursale de Marseille est grande]. Is it small?
Listen: [Audio: C'est une succursale bancaire]. What type of branch?
Listen: [Audio: La succursale est en centre-ville]. Where is it?
Listen: [Audio: Je cherche une succursale]. What is the person looking for?
Listen: [Audio: La succursale ferme à 17h]. What time does it close?
/ 190 correct
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Summary
The word 'succursale' is the precise French term for a business branch. Remember it is feminine and strictly professional—never use it for a tree branch! Example: 'Je vais à la succursale pour retirer mon argent.'
- A 'succursale' is a branch office of a company, legally and financially tied to its headquarters.
- It is a feminine noun (une succursale) used mainly in banking, retail, and professional contexts.
- Unlike a 'filiale' (subsidiary), a 'succursale' does not have its own separate legal identity.
- It is essential for describing business expansion and local service points in French-speaking countries.
Double the C
Remember the double 'c'. It's 'suCCursale'. Think of it as a 'Company Connection'.
Always Feminine
Associate it with 'la banque' (feminine) to remember it is 'une succursale'.
Business Only
Only use this word for offices and shops. Never for nature or science.
The /y/ Sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'u' correctly. Round your lips as if you are going to say 'oo' but say 'ee' instead.
関連コンテンツ
businessの関連語
à crédit
B1With deferred payment; on credit.
à défaut de
B1In the absence of; for lack of.
à jour
A2最新の;更新された。私の書類は最新の状態です。
à la fois...et
B1Both...and.
à la suite de
B1Following; as a result of.
à l'exception de
B1この表現は「〜を除いて」や「〜以外は」という意味です。グループや規則から何かを除外する際に、フォーマルな場面で使われます。
à l'export
B1外国への商品の販売または発送に関するもの。
à l'import
B1For import; relating to importing.
à l'ordre de
B1Payable to; specifies the beneficiary of a payment (e.g., on a check).
à mon avis
A2私の意見では;私の考えでは。個人的な視点や判断を導入するために使用される表現です。