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A2 noun 9 min read

chèque

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chèque in 30 Seconds

  • A 'chèque' is a written instruction to a bank to pay money.
  • It's a common financial document used for payments.
  • Often translated as 'check' or 'cheque'.
  • Requires funds in the account to be valid.
Definition
A written order to a bank to pay a stated sum from an account.
Usage
The word 'chèque' is a common noun in French, referring to a physical or digital document that instructs a bank to transfer money from one account to another. It's a fundamental financial instrument used for payments, especially for larger amounts or when immediate cash transfer isn't feasible or preferred. In France and many other French-speaking countries, 'chèques' have been a very traditional way to pay for goods and services, although their use has declined with the rise of electronic payments. You would typically write a 'chèque' to pay for rent, a significant purchase like furniture, or to send money as a gift. It's important to ensure you have sufficient funds in your account before issuing a 'chèque' to avoid issues like a 'chèque' being returned for insufficient funds ('chèque sans provision').

Je vais payer mon loyer avec un chèque.

I will pay my rent with a check.
Contexts
You'll encounter 'chèque' in discussions about personal finance, banking, paying bills, making purchases, and in administrative contexts. It's a word you'd hear when someone is discussing how they manage their money or how they've made a particular payment. For instance, a landlord might ask for a 'chèque' for the monthly rent, or a business owner might instruct their accountant to issue a 'chèque' to a supplier. Even though digital transactions are more prevalent now, 'chèque' remains a relevant term in the financial lexicon.

Elle a reçu un chèque cadeau pour son anniversaire.

She received a gift check for her birthday.
Types of Cheques
There are different types of 'chèques', such as a 'chèque de banque' (a bank's own cheque, considered very secure), a 'chèque certifié' (a cheque that the bank has guaranteed funds for), and a 'chèque cadeau' (a gift voucher or gift card, often in cheque form). Understanding these variations can be helpful in specific financial situations.

Mon entreprise utilise souvent des chèques de voyage.

My company often uses travel cheques.
Basic Structure
The word 'chèque' is a masculine noun. It is usually preceded by an article (un, le, ce, mon, etc.) or a possessive adjective. It can be the subject of a sentence, the direct object, or part of a prepositional phrase.

J'ai écrit un chèque pour le professeur.

I wrote a check for the teacher.
Common Verbs
Verbs frequently used with 'chèque' include 'écrire' (to write), 'encaisser' (to cash), 'déposer' (to deposit), 'émettre' (to issue), 'envoyer' (to send), and 'recevoir' (to receive).

Il faut déposer ce chèque à la banque.

You need to deposit this check at the bank.
Prepositional Phrases
You'll often hear 'chèque' used in phrases like 'un chèque de X euros' (a check for X euros), 'un chèque sans provision' (a bounced check), 'un chèque à l'ordre de...' (a check payable to...), and 'un chèque de banque' (a bank check).

Le chèque a été retourné pour provision insuffisante.

The check was returned for insufficient funds.
Using 'Chèque' in Questions
You might ask questions like: 'Acceptez-vous les chèques ?' (Do you accept checks?), 'Avez-vous un chèque de banque ?' (Do you have a bank check?), or 'Quel est le montant du chèque ?' (What is the amount of the check?).

Puis-je payer par chèque ?

Can I pay by check?
Financial Institutions
You will most commonly hear 'chèque' in banks, when speaking with tellers, customer service representatives, or when filling out bank forms. Discussions about account management, transactions, and payment methods will frequently involve this term. For example, a bank employee might say, 'Vous pouvez déposer votre chèque ici' (You can deposit your check here) or 'Souhaitez-vous un chéquier ?' (Would you like a checkbook?).

Le guichetier m'a expliqué comment remplir le chèque.

The teller explained to me how to fill out the check.
Retail and Service Businesses
In shops, restaurants, and service providers, especially those that are more traditional or cater to a wider range of customers, you might still hear 'chèque' being discussed. A cashier might ask, 'Acceptez-vous les chèques ?' (Do you accept checks?) or a sign might state, 'Les chèques ne sont pas acceptés' (Checks are not accepted). This is becoming less frequent with the rise of credit cards and mobile payments.

Ce magasin n'accepte pas les chèques en dessous de 50 euros.

This store does not accept checks under 50 euros.
Personal Conversations
Among friends, family, or colleagues, especially when discussing finances, bills, or gifts, the word 'chèque' might come up. Someone might say, 'J'ai envoyé un chèque à ma sœur pour son anniversaire' (I sent a check to my sister for her birthday) or 'Je dois payer ma caution par chèque' (I have to pay my deposit by check).

Ma grand-mère préfère toujours payer par chèque.

My grandmother always prefers to pay by check.
Administrative Settings
In offices, real estate agencies, or when dealing with legal or administrative matters, 'chèque' is a common term. For instance, when renting an apartment, you might be asked to provide a 'chèque de caution' (security deposit check).

Il faut fournir un chèque de garantie lors de la signature du bail.

A guarantee check must be provided when signing the lease.
Gender Agreement
The most common mistake for learners is not recognizing that 'chèque' is a masculine noun. This means it requires masculine articles and adjectives. For example, learners might incorrectly say 'une chèque' instead of 'un chèque'. Always use 'un' or 'le' before 'chèque'.

Incorrect: J'ai reçu une chèque.

Incorrect: I received a check.
Spelling
While less common for advanced learners, beginners might confuse the spelling with similar-sounding words or misplace the circumflex accent. The correct spelling is 'chèque' with the circumflex accent over the 'e'.

Incorrect: J'ai écrit un cheque sans accent.

Incorrect: I wrote a check without an accent.
Verb Usage
Using the wrong verb with 'chèque' can also lead to confusion. For instance, saying 'faire un chèque' (to do a check) is not standard; the correct verb is 'écrire un chèque' (to write a check) or 'émettre un chèque' (to issue a check). Similarly, 'prendre un chèque' is incorrect; you 'encaisser' (cash) or 'déposer' (deposit) a check.

Incorrect: Je vais faire un chèque.

Incorrect: I am going to do a check.
Understanding 'Chèque sans Provision'
A common pitfall is not understanding the implications of 'chèque sans provision' (check without funds, or bounced check). This can lead to financial penalties and legal issues. It's crucial to know that issuing such a check is a serious matter.

Incorrect: Il a donné un chèque sans savoir s'il avait de l'argent.

Incorrect: He gave a check without knowing if he had money.
'Carte bancaire' (Credit/Debit Card)
'Carte bancaire' refers to a credit or debit card. This is a very common alternative to 'chèque' for everyday transactions. While 'chèque' is a written order, a 'carte bancaire' is a physical card used for electronic payments. Example: 'Je préfère payer par carte bancaire, c'est plus rapide.' (I prefer to pay by card, it's faster.)
'Virement' (Bank Transfer)
'Virement' is a bank transfer, where money is moved directly from one bank account to another electronically. This is often used for larger payments or recurring bills. It's a digital alternative to writing a 'chèque'. Example: 'J'ai effectué un virement pour régler la facture.' (I made a bank transfer to pay the bill.)
'Espèces' (Cash)
'Espèces' means cash. This is the most direct form of payment and is an alternative to using a 'chèque' for smaller amounts, though many places prefer cards or checks for larger sums. Example: 'Pouvez-vous payer en espèces ?' (Can you pay in cash?).
'Mandat' (Money Order)
A 'mandat' is a money order, which is a payment order for a pre-specified amount of money. It's similar to a cheque but is purchased from a post office or other financial service and is generally considered safer than a personal cheque, especially for international payments. Example: 'J'ai envoyé le paiement par mandat postal.' (I sent the payment by postal money order.)
'Chèque cadeau' (Gift Voucher/Check)
This is a specific type of 'chèque' used as a gift. It's essentially a voucher that can be exchanged for goods or services. It's a form of pre-paid credit. Example: 'Elle a reçu un chèque cadeau pour sa fête.' (She received a gift voucher for her party.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of the check as a payment instrument is believed to have originated in ancient Rome, where people would write orders on clay tablets to have money transferred. The modern check evolved through various stages in medieval Europe, influenced by practices in Italy and England.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃɛk/
US /ʃɛk/
The stress is on the first and only syllable.
Rhymes With
chic sec bec recul reculer
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'ch' as in 'chair' instead of 'sh'.
  • Adding an extra syllable or mispronouncing the final 'que' sound.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with similar-looking words.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word 'chèque' is relatively common and its meaning is generally clear from context, especially in financial or transactional situations. Understanding its use in specific phrases like 'chèque sans provision' or 'chèque de banque' requires a bit more exposure.

Writing 2/5

Using 'chèque' correctly in writing involves understanding its gender (masculine), its plural form, and its common collocations. Remembering the accent is also important.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but using it naturally in conversation requires familiarity with common phrases and contexts where checks are discussed.

Listening 2/5

Recognizing 'chèque' in spoken French is usually easy due to its distinct pronunciation and common usage in financial contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

banque argent payer compte écrire

Learn Next

chéquier encaisser provision virement carte bancaire

Advanced

traite endosser instrument financier chèque certifié chèque sans provision

Grammar to Know

Gender of Nouns

'Chèque' is a masculine noun. This affects articles and adjectives: 'un chèque', 'le chèque', 'un beau chèque'.

Plural Formation

The plural of 'chèque' i

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Examples by Level

1

Je veux un chèque.

I want a check.

Simple request for a check.

1

J'ai écrit un chèque pour le magasin.

I wrote a check for the store.

Past tense verb 'écrire' (to write) with 'chèque' as direct object.

2

Le chèque est pour toi.

The check is for you.

Simple statement of ownership/destination.

3

Je vais déposer ce chèque demain.

I am going to deposit this check tomorrow.

Future proche (aller + infinitive) with 'déposer' (to deposit).

4

Est-ce que vous acceptez les chèques ?

Do you accept checks?

Question using 'est-ce que' with plural 'chèques'.

5

Il a reçu un chèque cadeau.

He received a gift check.

Past tense 'recevoir' (to receive) with a specific type of check.

6

Mon père m'a donné un chèque.

My father gave me a check.

Past tense 'donner' (to give) with indirect and direct objects.

7

Je cherche un chéquier.

I am looking for a checkbook.

Verb 'chercher' (to look for) with related noun 'chéquier'.

8

Le prix est de cent euros par chèque.

The price is one hundred euros by check.

Stating price with a payment method.

1

J'ai dû écrire un chèque de banque pour la caution.

I had to write a bank check for the deposit.

Past tense 'devoir' (to have to) + infinitive, with 'chèque de banque'.

2

Il est préférable d'encaisser le chèque rapidement.

It is preferable to cash the check quickly.

Impersonal expression 'il est préférable' + infinitive, with 'encaisser'.

3

Si le chèque est sans provision, il y aura des frais.

If the check is without funds, there will be fees.

Conditional sentence with 'sans provision' and future tense.

4

Elle a émis un chèque pour régler ses dettes.

She issued a check to settle her debts.

Past tense 'émettre' (to issue) with 'chèque' as direct object.

5

Pouvez-vous me faire un chèque à l'ordre de mon entreprise ?

Can you make me a check payable to my company?

Polite request using 'pouvez-vous' and 'à l'ordre de'.

6

J'ai oublié de signer mon chèque.

I forgot to sign my check.

Past tense of 'oublier' (to forget) + infinitive.

7

Le montant du chèque est de deux cents euros.

The amount of the check is two hundred euros.

Stating the monetary value of the check.

8

On peut envoyer un chèque par la poste.

We can send a check by mail.

Modal verb 'pouvoir' (can) with 'envoyer par la poste'.

1

Il est crucial de vérifier la provision avant d'émettre un chèque.

It is crucial to check the funds before issuing a check.

Impersonal expression 'il est crucial' + infinitive, with 'avant de' + infinitive.

2

Le commerçant a refusé d'accepter mon chèque car il était trop ancien.

The merchant refused to accept my check because it was too old.

Past tense 'refuser' (to refuse) + infinitive, and past tense 'être' with adjective.

3

La banque a certifié le chèque, garantissant ainsi les fonds.

The bank certified the check, thus guaranteeing the funds.

Past tense 'certifier' (to certify) and present participle 'garantissant'.

4

Les chèques de voyage sont devenus rares de nos jours.

Travel checks have become rare these days.

Plural noun with adjective, and 'sont devenus' (have become).

5

Elle a demandé un chèque de banque pour sécuriser la transaction.

She asked for a bank check to secure the transaction.

Past tense 'demander' (to ask for) + infinitive with purpose clause.

6

Il est interdit d'émettre un chèque sans provision sous peine de poursuites.

It is forbidden to issue a check without funds under penalty of prosecution.

Impersonal expression 'il est interdit' + infinitive, and 'sous peine de'.

7

Le montant inscrit sur le chèque ne correspondait pas à la facture.

The amount written on the check did not match the invoice.

Imperfect tense 'correspondait' (matched) with negation.

8

Nous avons opté pour le paiement par virement plutôt que par chèque.

We opted for payment by transfer rather than by check.

Past tense 'opter pour' (to opt for) and comparison 'plutôt que'.

1

La remise de ce chèque est soumise à des conditions spécifiques de la part de la banque.

The deposit of this check is subject to specific conditions from the bank.

Noun 'remise' (deposit), passive voice 'est soumise à', and 'de la part de'.

2

Le fait d'émettre un chèque sans provision constitue une infraction bancaire.

The act of issuing a check without funds constitutes a banking offense.

Nominalization 'le fait de' + infinitive, and 'constitue une infraction'.

3

Il est impératif de s'assurer de la validité du chèque avant de l'accepter.

It is imperative to ensure the validity of the check before accepting it.

Impersonal expression 'il est impératif' + infinitive, and 'avant de' + pronoun object.

4

La dématérialisation des moyens de paiement a considérablement réduit l'usage du chèque.

The dematerialization of payment methods has considerably reduced the use of checks.

Noun 'dématérialisation', past participle 'réduit' with adverb 'considérablement'.

5

Toute tentative de falsification de chèque sera poursuivie en justice.

Any attempt to forge a check will be prosecuted legally.

Noun 'tentative', passive future 'sera poursuivie', and 'en justice'.

6

L'encaissement d'un chèque étranger peut prendre plusieurs jours ouvrables.

Cashing a foreign check can take several business days.

Noun 'encaissement', adjective 'étranger', and 'plusieurs jours ouvrables'.

7

Il incombe au bénéficiaire de vérifier l'exactitude des informations sur le chèque.

It is incumbent upon the beneficiary to verify the accuracy of the information on the check.

Expression 'il incombe à qqn de faire qqch', and noun 'bénéficiaire'.

8

La gestion des chèques non honorés représente une charge administrative non négligeable.

The management of dishonored checks represents a non-negligible administrative burden.

Noun 'gestion', adjective 'non honorés', and 'représente une charge non négligeable'.

1

La pratique de l'endossement de chèques à des fins frauduleuses est sévèrement réprimée par la loi.

The practice of endorsing checks for fraudulent purposes is severely repressed by law.

Noun 'endossement', participle 'frauduleuses', and passive 'réprimée par'.

2

L'avènement des paiements instantanés et des portefeuilles électroniques marginalise progressivement l'usage traditionnel du chèque.

The advent of instant payments and electronic wallets is progressively marginalizing the traditional use of checks.

Noun 'avènement', participles 'instantanés' and 'électroniques', and verb 'marginalise progressivement'.

3

Dans certaines juridictions, l'émission délibérée d'un chèque sans provision peut être assimilée à une escroquerie.

In certain jurisdictions, the deliberate issuance of a check without funds can be likened to fraud.

Adverb 'délibérée', verb 'assimilée à', and noun 'escroquerie'.

4

La traçabilité des chèques, bien que moins aisée que celle des virements, reste un atout dans certaines enquêtes financières.

The traceability of checks, although less easy than that of transfers, remains an asset in certain financial investigations.

Noun 'traçabilité', comparative 'moins aisée que', and conjunction 'bien que'.

5

Le concept de 'chèque barré' vise à restreindre la circulation des fonds aux seuls titulaires de comptes bancaires.

The concept of a 'crossed check' aims to restrict the circulation of funds to bank account holders only.

Noun phrase 'chèque barré', verb 'vise à', and noun 'titulaires'.

6

La systématisation des paiements par carte a conduit à une obsolescence quasi-totale du chèque dans les transactions quotidiennes.

The systematization of card payments has led to an almost total obsolescence of the check in daily transactions.

Noun 'systématisation', adjective 'quotidiennes', and noun 'obsolescence'.

7

Il est primordial de distinguer un chèque ordinaire d'un chèque de banque, dont la garantie est intrinsèque.

It is paramount to distinguish an ordinary check from a bank check, whose guarantee is intrinsic.

Adjective 'primordial', verb 'distinguer', and adjective 'intrinsèque'.

8

La suspicion de fraude peut être éveillée par la simple présentation d'un chèque manifestement falsifié.

Suspicion of fraud can be aroused by the mere presentation of a clearly forged check.

Noun 'suspicion', passive voice 'peut être éveillée', and adjective 'manifestement falsifié'.

Common Collocations

écrire un chèque
encaisser un chèque
déposer un chèque
chèque sans provision
chèque de banque
chèque cadeau
montant du chèque
signer un chèque
chèque à l'ordre de
remettre un chèque

Common Phrases

payer par chèque

— To make a payment using a check.

Préférez-vous payer par chèque ou par carte ?

faire un chèque

— To write a check (though 'écrire un chèque' is more precise).

Je vais vous faire un chèque pour le service rendu.

encaisser un chèque

— To cash a check.

Il faut aller à la banque pour encaisser ce chèque.

chèque sans provision

— A check that cannot be cashed because the payer does not have enough money in their account.

Le chèque sans provision entraîne des frais bancaires.

chèque cadeau

— A gift check or voucher.

J'ai utilisé mon chèque cadeau pour acheter ce livre.

chèque de banque

— A check issued by a bank, guaranteeing funds.

Pour l'achat de la voiture, un chèque de banque est requis.

recevoir un chèque

— To be given a check as payment or a gift.

J'ai reçu un chèque de remboursement.

écrire un chèque

— To fill out and sign a check.

Il a fallu écrire un chèque de 500 euros.

déposer un chèque

— To put a check into a bank account.

Je vais déposer ce chèque à ma banque.

chèque de caution

— A security deposit check, often for rent.

Le propriétaire demande un chèque de caution avant la remise des clés.

Idioms & Expressions

"tirer à boulets rouges sur quelqu'un"

— This idiom means to criticize someone severely or relentlessly. While it doesn't directly involve a check, the verb 'tirer' (to draw, to shoot) is used in the context of 'tirer un chèque' (to draw a check).

Les journalistes ont tiré à boulets rouges sur la nouvelle politique.

figurative
"avoir un chèque en blanc"

— This idiom means to have complete freedom or authority to act as one wishes, without restrictions. It implies being given a blank check (figuratively) to make decisions.

Le nouveau directeur a reçu un chèque en blanc de la part du conseil d'administration.

figurative
"compter sur son chèque"

— To rely on receiving a check, often implying impatience or an expectation of funds.

Il ne faut pas compter sur son chèque avant qu'il n'arrive.

common
"un chèque sans fond"

— This refers to a check that is worthless because there are no funds in the account. It's a direct translation of 'chèque sans provision'.

Sa promesse était un chèque sans fond.

figurative
"remettre un chèque en blanc"

— Similar to 'avoir un chèque en blanc', it means to give someone complete freedom or authority.

Le gouvernement a remis un chèque en blanc aux banques pendant la crise.

figurative
"un chèque à l'ordre de la Providence"

— A check payable to Providence (divine intervention), meaning something is left to fate or good luck.

Il a investi tout son argent, remettant son avenir à un chèque à l'ordre de la Providence.

figurative
"tirer un trait sur quelque chose"

— To give up on something, to forget about it, to consider it finished. The verb 'tirer' is again used, connecting to the idea of drawing a line.

Après cet échec, il a tiré un trait sur son projet.

figurative
"un chèque en bois"

— An old-fashioned term for a worthless check or a false promise.

Sa proposition n'était qu'un chèque en bois.

archaic/figurative
"faire un chèque à la banque"

— This is a slightly unusual phrasing but can imply paying a fee or interacting with the bank financially.

Il a dû faire un chèque à la banque pour les frais de dossier.

common/colloquial
"un chèque pour le destin"

— Similar to 'chèque à l'ordre de la Providence', it implies leaving one's fate in the hands of destiny.

Il a pris un risque énorme, comme s'il signait un chèque pour le destin.

figurative

Word Family

Nouns

chèque
chéquier

Verbs

chéquiser

Related

banque
argent
payer
compte
signature
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine someone named 'Chuck' writing a check for a 'chic' outfit. The 'ch' sounds like 'sh' (like in 'she'), and the 'que' sounds like 'k'. So, 'Chuck' writes a 'chic' 'shk' (check).

Visual Association

Picture a physical check with a prominent French accent mark (like the one on 'chèque') over the amount, or a check being signed with a flourish by someone wearing a beret.

Word Web

Payment Bank Money Transaction Finance Document Order Account Deposit Cash

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using 'chèque' and at least two other words from the word web. For example: 'I need to deposit the check into my bank account.'

Word Origin

The word 'chèque' comes from the Old French word 'cheque', which itself derived from the Anglo-Norman 'chek'. This term originated from the Norman French 'escèque', meaning 'a tally' or 'a tally stick', used for accounting.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a tally stick used by merchants to record debts or payments. The idea of a written order to pay evolved from this accounting practice.

Indo-European, Germanic (via French, from Anglo-Norman, ultimately from Old French 'cheque', from 'escèque')

Cultural Context

When discussing financial matters, be mindful of privacy. The term 'chèque' itself is neutral, but discussions about specific amounts or financial difficulties should be handled with discretion.

In English-speaking countries, the equivalent term is 'check' (American English) or 'cheque' (British English). The concept and function are identical.

The phrase 'un chèque en blanc' (a blank check) is a common idiom in French, implying complete freedom or authority. The concept of 'chèque sans provision' (bounced check) is well-understood and carries negative financial and legal implications. The 'chèque cadeau' (gift check/voucher) is a popular form of gifting in France.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Paying bills or rent.

  • payer par chèque
  • écrire un chèque pour le loyer
  • envoyer un chèque à la banque

Receiving payment.

  • recevoir un chèque
  • encaisser un chèque
  • le montant du chèque

Banking transactions.

  • déposer un chèque
  • chèque de banque
  • chèque sans provision

Gifts and vouchers.

  • chèque cadeau
  • offrir un chèque

Business and finance.

  • émettre un chèque
  • à l'ordre de
  • chèque de caution

Conversation Starters

"Comment payez-vous habituellement vos factures importantes ?"

"Est-ce que vous utilisez encore des chèques de nos jours ?"

"Quelle est la différence entre un chèque et un virement bancaire ?"

"Avez-vous déjà eu un problème avec un chèque sans provision ?"

"Quel type de chèque est le plus sûr ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une situation où vous avez utilisé un chèque pour payer quelque chose d'important.

Quels sont les avantages et les inconvénients de payer par chèque par rapport aux paiements par carte ?

Imaginez que vous recevez un chèque cadeau. Qu'achèteriez-vous avec ?

Racontez une anecdote où un chèque a joué un rôle clé.

Comment pensez-vous que l'utilisation des chèques va évoluer à l'avenir ?

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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

cheque Portuguese cheque Spanish
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