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réduction

A2 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

réduction

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips réduction in 30 Seconds

Explanation réduction in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'réduction' is a key survival word for shopping. It simply means 'discount'. You will see it on signs in shop windows during sales or on coupons. At this level, you should focus on the phrase 'Est-ce qu'il y a une réduction ?' (Is there a discount?). You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just remember it is a feminine noun and relates to paying less money. You might also see it in the context of 'tarif réduit' for museum or cinema tickets if you are a student or a child. It is a very concrete word at this stage, always tied to price tags and savings. Think of it as the magic word that helps you save money while traveling in French-speaking countries.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'réduction' in more complete sentences. You learn to quantify the discount using 'de', such as 'une réduction de vingt pour cent'. You also start to understand that it can apply to things other than just shopping, like 'une réduction de la vitesse' (a reduction in speed). You should be able to ask for a discount politely: 'Puis-je avoir une réduction ?'. You will also encounter it in more varied contexts, like when talking about work or health in a basic way. You are beginning to see the word's pattern: 'réduction de [noun]'. This level is about moving from seeing the word on a sign to actually using it in a conversation with a shopkeeper or a ticket agent.

At the B1 level, 'réduction' becomes part of your professional and social vocabulary. You can discuss 'la réduction du temps de travail' (the reduction of working hours) and express your opinion on it. You understand the nuances between 'réduction', 'remise', and 'rabais'. You can follow a news report about 'la réduction du déficit' and understand that it refers to an economic trend. Your grammar is more precise, and you can use the word in complex sentences with relative clauses. You might also use it in a culinary context if you enjoy cooking, understanding that 'faire une réduction' means to thicken a sauce. The word moves from being a simple 'discount' to a general concept of 'decrease' or 'simplification'.

At the B2 level, you use 'réduction' with ease in abstract and technical discussions. You can talk about 'la réduction des inégalités' (the reduction of inequalities) or 'la réduction des risques' (harm reduction) in a sociological context. You are comfortable with the word in professional environments, such as discussing 'une réduction d'effectifs' (downsizing) or 'une réduction de coûts' (cost-cutting). You understand the stylistic choice between 'réduction' and 'baisse' or 'diminution'. You can write formal letters or reports using the word to describe data trends. At this level, you also recognize its use in mathematics and science, such as the 'réduction de fractions' or 'réduction' in chemistry (redox reactions).

At the C1 level, you appreciate the subtle philosophical and literary uses of 'réduction'. You might encounter 'la réduction phénoménologique' in a philosophy text or discuss 'le réductionnisme' in science. You can use the word to describe the simplification of a complex argument or the condensing of a long text: 'une réduction d'un roman en une pièce de théâtre'. Your use of the word is nuanced, and you can use it to convey irony or precise technical meaning. You understand its role in historical contexts, such as the 'réduction' of Jesuit missions in South America. The word is no longer just about quantity; it is about the essence of bringing something down to its core or its most basic elements.

At the C2 level, you have a total mastery of 'réduction' across all possible domains. You can use it in highly specialized fields like linguistics (the reduction of a vowel), medicine (the reduction of a hernia or fracture), or advanced mathematics. You can engage in high-level debates about 'la réduction de la complexité' in systems theory. You are aware of the word's etymological journey from Latin and how it has branched into different meanings in various Romance languages. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it metaphorically to describe the shrinking of one's world or the narrowing of possibilities. The word is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal, used with perfect precision and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

réduction in 30 Seconds

A feminine noun meaning discount or decrease.
Commonly used in shopping, math, and science.
Requires the preposition 'de' before numbers.
Often confused with 'soldes' or 'remise'.

The French word réduction is a versatile noun that primarily refers to the action of making something smaller in size, amount, degree, or importance. In the context of everyday life, especially for an English speaker learning French at the A2 level, its most frequent application is in the world of commerce and shopping. When you walk into a boutique in Paris or browse a French e-commerce site, you will see this word everywhere. It is the direct equivalent of the English word 'reduction' or 'discount.' However, its usage extends far beyond just price tags. It encompasses the act of simplifying complex ideas, the physical shrinking of objects, and the mathematical process of bringing a fraction to its simplest form.

Commercial Context: In shops, a 'réduction' is a lowering of the price. It is often synonymous with 'remise' or 'rabais'. You might see a sign saying 'Réduction de 20% sur tout le magasin' (20% discount on the whole store). This is the most practical use for travelers and expatriates.

J'ai obtenu une réduction de dix euros sur ce pantalon car il manquait un bouton.

Scientific and Technical Context: In chemistry, 'réduction' refers to the gain of electrons by a substance. In cooking, it refers to the process of boiling a liquid (like a sauce) to thicken it and intensify its flavor. A 'réduction de balsamique' is a common culinary term for a balsamic glaze.

Understanding the nuances of 'réduction' requires looking at its frequency. It is a high-frequency word because it touches upon economics, which is a daily concern. Whether it is a 'réduction d'impôts' (tax cut) or a 'réduction du temps de travail' (reduction of working hours), the word carries a weight of change. It implies a transition from a larger state to a smaller one. For a learner, mastering this word means being able to navigate financial transactions and understand social debates about work-life balance and government spending.

La réduction des déchets est essentielle pour protéger l'environnement de notre planète.

Societal Context: In French society, 'la réduction du temps de travail' (often associated with the 35-hour work week) is a major political theme. Here, 'réduction' isn't just a math term; it's a lifestyle concept.

Il y a des réductions exceptionnelles pour les étudiants de moins de vingt-six ans.

La réduction mammaire est une intervention chirurgicale courante pour soulager le mal de dos.

Using 'réduction' correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (feminine) and the prepositions that typically follow it. Since it is a feminine noun, it is preceded by 'la', 'une', or 'cette'. When you want to specify what is being reduced, you almost always use the preposition 'de'. For example, 'une réduction de prix' (a reduction of price) or 'une réduction de personnel' (a reduction of staff). If you are talking about a discount applied *to* something, you might use 'sur', as in 'une réduction sur les articles de sport'.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs used with 'réduction' include 'obtenir' (to get), 'accorder' (to grant), 'demander' (to ask for), and 'profiter de' (to take advantage of). 'Le magasin accorde une réduction' means the store gives a discount.

Est-ce que je peux bénéficier d'une réduction avec ma carte de fidélité ?

Quantifying the Reduction: When expressing the amount of the reduction, use 'de' before the number. 'Une réduction de 50%' is a 50% reduction. If you want to say 'a big reduction', you would say 'une forte réduction' or 'une réduction importante'.

In formal writing, such as business reports or news articles, 'réduction' is used to describe trends. You will see phrases like 'la réduction du déficit budgétaire' (the reduction of the budget deficit). In these cases, the word is often the subject of the sentence, driving the narrative of economic change. For students, it is important to notice that 'réduction' is often followed by a noun complement that defines the scope of the decrease.

La réduction de la vitesse sur l'autoroute a permis de diminuer le nombre d'accidents.

The 'Price' Connection: While 'réduction de prix' is correct, it is often shortened to just 'réduction' if the context of money is already clear. 'Il y a une réduction' usually implies a price drop unless stated otherwise.

Nous avons appliqué une réduction immédiate sur votre facture totale.

Grâce à cette réduction, j'ai pu acheter deux livres au lieu d'un seul.

You will encounter the word 'réduction' in a variety of real-world French environments. The most common place is undoubtedly the retail sector. From the 'Galeries Lafayette' in Paris to a small 'boulangerie' in a village, the word is a staple of French commerce. During the 'Soldes d'hiver' (winter sales) or 'Soldes d'été' (summer sales), shops will advertise 'réductions allant jusqu'à 70%'. It is also a word you will hear frequently in public transport offices. If you are a student, a senior, or traveling in a large group, you are entitled to a 'tarif réduit' (reduced fare), and the clerk might ask if you have a card for a 'réduction'.

In the Media: News broadcasts often discuss 'la réduction de la dette' (debt reduction) or 'la réduction des émissions de CO2' (reduction of CO2 emissions). It is a key term in environmental and economic journalism.

Le gouvernement annonce une nouvelle réduction d'impôts pour les foyers modestes.

In the Kitchen: If you watch French cooking shows like 'Top Chef France', chefs will often talk about making a 'réduction' of a sauce to concentrate the sugars and flavors. This is a technical culinary term.

The word also appears in medical and legal contexts. A doctor might talk about the 'réduction d'une fracture' (setting a broken bone), which means bringing the bone back to its normal position. In a legal sense, one might hear about a 'réduction de peine' (reduction of a sentence/jail time) for good behavior. This demonstrates that 'réduction' is not just about quantity, but also about correction and relief. It is a word that describes a movement toward a better or more manageable state, whether that is a cheaper price or a healed limb.

Le prisonnier a obtenu une réduction de peine de six mois pour sa conduite exemplaire.

In the Workplace: Employees might discuss 'la réduction des effectifs' (downsizing or staff reduction) during company meetings. This is a more serious and sometimes negative use of the word.

La sauce a besoin d'une légère réduction pour avoir la consistance parfaite.

Avez-vous un code de réduction pour votre commande en ligne ?

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 'réduction' with other similar French words like 'soldes', 'remise', and 'rabais'. While they all relate to paying less, they are used in different contexts. 'Soldes' refers specifically to the state-regulated sales periods in France (January and July). You don't usually 'get a solde'; you 'buy something on sale' (en solde). 'Réduction' is the general term for any price cut, including those from coupons or loyalty points. Using 'soldes' when you mean a student discount is a common error.

Confusing Noun and Verb: Many learners try to use 'réduction' as a verb. Remember: 'réduction' is the thing (noun), and 'réduire' is the action (verb). You cannot say 'Je vais réduction le prix'. You must say 'Je vais réduire le prix' or 'Je vais faire une réduction'.

Faux : Je veux réduction mon temps de travail. Correct : Je veux une réduction de mon temps de travail.

Preposition Errors: Learners often forget the 'de' when specifying the amount. It's not 'une réduction 20%', it's 'une réduction de 20%'. Without the 'de', the sentence sounds incomplete to a native speaker.

Another subtle mistake involves the word 'décompte'. In English, 'count down' or 'discount' might sound similar to 'décompte', but in French, 'décompte' usually refers to a detailed breakdown of a bill or a countdown to an event. It is almost never used to mean a price reduction. Always stick with 'réduction' or 'remise' when you want to pay less. Furthermore, be careful with the word 'diminution'. While 'diminution' also means a decrease, it is more often used for abstract quantities like 'une diminution de la température' or 'une diminution de la joie'. For prices and specific percentages, 'réduction' is the standard choice.

Faux : Il y a un décompte sur les chaussures. Correct : Il y a une réduction sur les chaussures.

Gender Awareness: Because 'réduction' ends in '-tion', it is feminine. Using 'un réduction' is a common beginner mistake. Always pair it with feminine adjectives: 'une petite réduction', 'une grande réduction'.

Cette réduction est exceptionnelle et ne durera que vingt-quatre heures.

N'oubliez pas d'appliquer la réduction avant de valider votre panier.

To sound more like a native speaker, it is helpful to know the synonyms of 'réduction' and the specific contexts in which they are used. The most common alternative in a commercial setting is 'remise'. A 'remise' is often a commercial gesture, like a discount given to a regular customer. 'Rabais' is another synonym, but it usually implies a discount given because the product has a defect or is slightly damaged. 'Ristourne' is a more technical term, often used in B2B (business-to-business) contexts to describe a year-end rebate based on total sales volume.

Réduction vs. Remise: 'Réduction' is the general umbrella term. 'Remise' is often used when the seller is 'handing back' part of the price to you. You might ask: 'Pouvez-vous me faire une petite remise ?'

Le vendeur m'a fait une remise de fidélité car je viens ici tous les mois.

Réduction vs. Rabais: Use 'rabais' when there's a problem with the item. 'Comme la boîte est abîmée, j'ai demandé un rabais.' (Since the box is damaged, I asked for a discount.)

In more formal or scientific contexts, you might use 'diminution' or 'baisse'. 'Une baisse de prix' is very common in financial news. 'Décroissance' is used in environmental contexts to mean 'degrowth' or the planned reduction of the economy to save the planet. For medical contexts, 'résorption' might be used when a swelling or a tumor is reducing in size. Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise. If you are talking about the price of bread going down, 'baisse' is perfect. If you are talking about a coupon code, 'réduction' is the only choice.

On observe une baisse significative du prix de l'essence cette semaine.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. Remise (Commercial gesture) 2. Rabais (Defective item discount) 3. Baisse (General decrease/drop) 4. Soldes (Seasonal sales) 5. Promotion (Marketing offer)

Cette promotion inclut une réduction sur le deuxième article acheté.

La ristourne de fin d'année sera versée sur votre compte professionnel.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In the Middle Ages, 'réduction' was often used in a military sense to describe the 'bringing back' of a city or territory under a king's control.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁe.dyk.sjɔ̃/

US /re.dyk.sjɔ̃/

The stress is always on the final syllable 'sjɔ̃'.

Rhymes With

production séduction traduction construction destruction instruction fonction sanction

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tion' like the English 'shun'. In French, it is always 'sy-on'.
Using a standard English 'u' instead of the French 'u'.
Forgetting the nasalization of the final 'on'.
Making the 'r' too soft or like the English 'r'.
Pronouncing the 'd' too heavily; it should be light.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize because it is a cognate of the English 'reduction'.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember the accents (é) and the feminine ending.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'on' and the 'u' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct, usually easy to pick out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

prix cher vendre acheter magasin

Learn Next

remise rabais soldes promotion économie

Advanced

décroissance résorption ristourne abattement décote

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -tion are feminine.

La réduction, la nation, la production.

Using 'de' after nouns of quantity or change.

Une réduction DE dix pour cent.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.

Une réduction IMPORTANT-E.

The preposition 'sur' for the object of a discount.

Une réduction SUR les livres.

The use of 'pour' to indicate the target group.

Une réduction POUR les jeunes.

Examples by Level

Il y a une réduction de 10 euros.

There is a 10 euro discount.

'Une' is used because 'réduction' is feminine.

Je cherche une réduction.

I am looking for a discount.

Direct object after the verb 'chercher'.

C'est une grande réduction !

It's a big reduction!

The adjective 'grande' agrees with the feminine noun.

Pas de réduction aujourd'hui.

No discount today.

'Pas de' is used for negation of quantity.

La réduction est pour les enfants.

The discount is for children.

Definite article 'la' starts the sentence.

Voici votre réduction.

Here is your discount.

'Voici' introduces the noun.

Une réduction de 5%.

A 5% discount.

Use 'de' before the percentage.

Où est la réduction ?

Where is the discount?

Interrogative 'où' with the definite article.

Est-ce que vous avez une réduction pour les étudiants ?

Do you have a discount for students?

'Pour' indicates the beneficiary of the discount.

J'ai acheté ce sac avec une réduction de 30%.

I bought this bag with a 30% discount.

'Avec' shows the condition of the purchase.

La réduction s'applique à tous les vêtements.

The discount applies to all clothes.

The verb 's'appliquer' is used with the preposition 'à'.

Il n'y a pas de réduction sur les chaussures.

There is no discount on shoes.

'Sur' specifies the category of items.

Nous demandons une réduction de prix.

We are asking for a price reduction.

'De prix' is a noun complement.

Cette réduction est valable jusqu'à demain.

This discount is valid until tomorrow.

'Valable' is the adjective describing the discount.

Profitez de la réduction de Noël !

Take advantage of the Christmas discount!

Imperative form of 'profiter de'.

Elle a obtenu une petite réduction.

She got a small discount.

'Petite' is an adjective placed before the noun.

La réduction du temps de travail est un sujet important.

The reduction of working hours is an important subject.

'Du' is the contraction of 'de + le'.

Le magasin propose des réductions exceptionnelles ce week-end.

The store is offering exceptional discounts this weekend.

Plural form 'des réductions'.

Il faut une réduction de la consommation d'eau.

A reduction in water consumption is necessary.

'De la' used with the feminine noun 'consommation'.

Grâce à cette réduction, j'économise beaucoup d'argent.

Thanks to this discount, I am saving a lot of money.

'Grâce à' indicates a positive cause.

La réduction de la pollution est notre priorité.

The reduction of pollution is our priority.

Abstract use of 'réduction'.

Avez-vous reçu le code de réduction par email ?

Did you receive the discount code by email?

'Code de réduction' is a compound noun phrase.

Le gouvernement a annoncé une réduction d'impôts.

The government announced a tax cut.

'D'impôts' uses the elided 'de' before a vowel.

La réduction des coûts est nécessaire pour l'entreprise.

Cost reduction is necessary for the company.

'Des' is the contraction of 'de + les'.

La réduction mammaire est une opération chirurgicale.

Breast reduction is a surgical operation.

Medical terminology.

Nous avons observé une réduction significative du chômage.

We observed a significant reduction in unemployment.

'Significative' is a formal adjective.

La réduction de la vitesse à 80 km/h fait débat.

The speed reduction to 80 km/h is being debated.

Specifying the limit with 'à'.

Il a bénéficié d'une réduction de peine pour bonne conduite.

He benefited from a sentence reduction for good behavior.

Legal terminology: 'réduction de peine'.

La réduction des gaz à effet de serre est urgente.

The reduction of greenhouse gases is urgent.

Scientific/Environmental context.

Cette réduction d'effectifs inquiète les syndicats.

This reduction in staff worries the unions.

Professional context: 'réduction d'effectifs'.

La réduction des inégalités sociales est un défi majeur.

The reduction of social inequalities is a major challenge.

Sociological context.

La réduction de la sauce doit se faire à feu doux.

The reduction of the sauce must be done over low heat.

Culinary context.

La réduction phénoménologique est au cœur de la pensée de Husserl.

Phenomenological reduction is at the heart of Husserl's thought.

Philosophical terminology.

L'auteur propose une réduction de son œuvre pour le théâtre.

The author proposes an adaptation/reduction of his work for the theater.

Literary/Artistic context.

La réduction de l'être à sa seule dimension biologique est critiquable.

The reduction of being to its sole biological dimension is criticizable.

Abstract philosophical argument.

On assiste à une réduction drastique des libertés individuelles.

We are witnessing a drastic reduction of individual liberties.

Political/Critical context.

La réduction des données est cruciale pour l'analyse statistique.

Data reduction is crucial for statistical analysis.

Technical/Scientific context.

Il s'agit d'une réduction ad absurdum de l'argument adverse.

It is a reduction ad absurdum of the opposing argument.

Latin expression used in French logic.

La réduction du fer est une étape clé de la métallurgie.

The reduction of iron is a key step in metallurgy.

Chemical/Industrial context.

Cette réduction budgétaire impacte tous les services publics.

This budget cut impacts all public services.

Formal economic context.

L'ontologie contemporaine interroge la validité de la réduction matérialiste.

Contemporary ontology questions the validity of materialistic reduction.

High-level academic discourse.

La réduction de la fracture s'est faite sous anesthésie générale.

The reduction of the fracture was performed under general anesthesia.

Precise medical procedure.

L'épistémologie rejette souvent la réduction simpliste des phénomènes complexes.

Epistemology often rejects the simplistic reduction of complex phenomena.

Scientific philosophy.

Il a opéré une réduction sémantique pour clarifier son propos.

He performed a semantic reduction to clarify his point.

Linguistic analysis.

La réduction des dimensions spatiales est un concept de physique théorique.

The reduction of spatial dimensions is a concept in theoretical physics.

Advanced physics context.

Cette réduction de voilure est nécessaire face à la crise économique.

This 'reduction of sail' (downsizing/scaling back) is necessary in the face of the economic crisis.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical use in business.

La réduction des dissonances cognitives permet de retrouver un équilibre.

The reduction of cognitive dissonances allows one to regain balance.

Psychological context.

La réduction de l'espace public au profit du privé est un enjeu politique.

The reduction of public space for the benefit of the private is a political issue.

Critical urban sociology.

Common Collocations

Réduction de prix

Réduction d'impôts

Réduction de peine

Réduction de personnel

Réduction mammaire

Réduction de vitesse

Réduction de bruit

Réduction de déchets

Réduction de fractions

Code de réduction

Common Phrases

Sous réserve de réduction

— Subject to a possible decrease or discount.

Le prix est de 100 euros, sous réserve de réduction.

Obtenir une réduction

— To successfully get a discount.

J'ai réussi à obtenir une réduction de 5 euros.

Appliquer une réduction

— To put a discount into effect.

Le système va appliquer la réduction automatiquement.

Demander une réduction

— To ask for a lower price.

Il n'ose pas demander une réduction au vendeur.

Réduction immédiate

— A discount that is applied right away at the time of purchase.

Profitez d'une réduction immédiate de 20 euros.

Bénéficier d'une réduction

— To be eligible for or to receive a discount.

Les seniors bénéficient d'une réduction sur les billets.

Taux de réduction

— The percentage or rate of the discount.

Le taux de réduction varie selon les articles.

Sans réduction

— At full price, without any discount.

J'ai payé le prix fort, sans réduction.

Faire une réduction

— For a seller to grant a discount.

Pouvez-vous me faire une petite réduction ?

Politique de réduction

— A company's strategy regarding discounts or cost-cutting.

La politique de réduction des coûts est stricte.

Often Confused With

réduction vs Soldes

'Soldes' is the event; 'réduction' is the amount taken off.

réduction vs Décompte

'Décompte' is a breakdown of a bill, not a discount.

réduction vs Diminution

'Diminution' is more general; 'réduction' is more specific to price or size.

Idioms & Expressions

"Réduction de voilure"

— To scale back operations or expenses, like a ship pulling in sails.

L'entreprise doit opérer une réduction de voilure.

Professional

"En réduction"

— Something in a smaller version or a miniature.

C'est un véritable château en réduction.

Literary

"Réduction à l'absurde"

— To prove something is false by showing its logical conclusion is impossible.

Son raisonnement est une réduction à l'absurde.

Academic

"Faire une réduction de tête"

— To simplify one's thoughts or expectations (rare).

Il a dû faire une réduction de tête pour accepter la situation.

Informal

"Réduction au silence"

— The act of forcing someone to be quiet or stopping them from speaking.

La réduction au silence des opposants est inquiétante.

Formal

"Réduction de l'écart"

— Closing the gap between two things (prices, scores, etc.).

Le coureur a réussi une réduction de l'écart.

Sport/General

"Réduction en cendres"

— The total destruction of something by fire.

La forêt a été l'objet d'une réduction en cendres.

Literary

"Réduction ad personam"

— Reducing an argument to a personal attack (logical fallacy).

Il a utilisé une réduction ad personam pour gagner.

Academic

"Réduction de l'espace"

— The feeling of everything becoming smaller or more cramped.

On sent une réduction de l'espace vital en ville.

Sociological

"Réduction de la voilure budgétaire"

— Specifically cutting budget expenses.

Le ministère annonce une réduction de la voilure budgétaire.

Political

Easily Confused

réduction vs Remise

Both mean discount.

Remise is often a personal gesture; Réduction is the general term.

Il m'a fait une remise car je suis un bon client.

réduction vs Rabais

Both mean discount.

Rabais is usually for damaged goods or late delivery.

J'ai eu un rabais parce que le canapé était taché.

réduction vs Ristourne

Both mean discount.

Ristourne is a professional rebate at the end of a year.

L'entreprise reçoit une ristourne sur ses achats annuels.

réduction vs Baisse

Both mean decrease.

Baisse is used for trends (prices, temperature); Réduction is an action.

La baisse du chômage est une bonne nouvelle.

réduction vs Promotion

Both relate to saving money.

Promotion is the marketing event; Réduction is the price cut.

Cette promotion offre une réduction de 20%.

Sentence Patterns

Il y a une réduction.

Il y a une réduction de 5 euros.

Je voudrais une réduction sur [objet].

Je voudrais une réduction sur ce manteau.

Grâce à la réduction de [nom], [résultat].

Grâce à la réduction de prix, j'ai acheté deux sacs.

La réduction de [nom] permet de [verbe].

La réduction de la vitesse permet de sauver des vies.

On assiste à une réduction de [concept abstrait].

On assiste à une réduction de la biodiversité.

Opérer une réduction de [terme technique].

Le chirurgien a opéré une réduction de la fracture.

Est-ce que vous faites une réduction pour [groupe] ?

Est-ce que vous faites une réduction pour les familles ?

Le magasin propose une réduction allant jusqu'à [nombre]%.

Le magasin propose une réduction allant jusqu'à 50%.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Un réduction → Une réduction
'Réduction' is a feminine noun. You must use the feminine article 'une' or 'la'.
Réduction 20% → Réduction de 20%
In French, you must use the preposition 'de' before a number or percentage to indicate the amount of the reduction.
Je veux réduction le prix. → Je veux réduire le prix.
'Réduction' is a noun, not a verb. You must use the verb form 'réduire' for the action of reducing.
J'ai acheté ça en réduction. → J'ai acheté ça en solde.
While 'réduction' is the discount, 'en solde' is the idiomatic way to say 'on sale' during sales periods.
La réduction de le temps. → La réduction du temps.
'De + le' must always contract to 'du' in French grammar.

Tips

Gender Rule

Always remember that '-tion' words are feminine. This will save you from making mistakes with articles and adjectives. 'Une réduction importante' is the correct form.

Shopping Tip

When you see 'Tarif Réduit' at a museum or cinema, it's for specific groups. Check the sign to see if you qualify (usually students, children, or seniors).

The Nasal Sound

The 'on' at the end is nasal. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'. It's like the 'on' in 'song' but without the 'g'.

Haggling

Don't haggle in supermarkets or big stores. Only ask for a 'réduction' in markets, antique shops, or when buying very expensive items like furniture.

Accents Matter

The 'é' in 'réduction' is important. It changes the sound of the 'e' from a neutral sound to a sharp 'ay' sound. Always write it correctly.

Verb vs. Noun

Don't confuse the noun 'réduction' with the verb 'réduire'. Use 'réduire' for the action: 'Je veux réduire mes dépenses.'

Medical Context

If you hear 'réduction' at a doctor's office, they are likely talking about a bone or a hernia. It's a very specific medical term there.

Business French

In a business meeting, 'réduction des coûts' is a very common phrase. It sounds professional and precise.

English Cognate

Since it looks like 'reduction', use that to your advantage. Just remember to 'Frenchify' the pronunciation!

Online Shopping

Look for 'Bons de réduction' or 'Codes promo' on French websites to save money on your purchases.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'RE-DUCing' the price. The word 'réduction' looks almost exactly like the English 'reduction'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant pair of scissors cutting a price tag in half. The scissors are labeled 'La Réduction'.

Word Web

prix soldes remise moins cher argent économie pourcentage magasin

Challenge

Go to a French website (like Amazon.fr or Fnac.com) and find three different items that have a 'réduction'. Write down the percentage of each.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'reductio', which comes from 'reducere' (to lead back).

Original meaning: The original Latin meaning was 'a leading back' or 'restoration'.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'réduction d'effectifs' (downsizing) as it is a sensitive topic related to unemployment.

In English, we often use 'discount' or 'sale'. In French, 'réduction' is the formal term for the discount itself, while 'soldes' is the event.

The '35 heures' law (Réduction du temps de travail) by Martine Aubry. 'La Réduction' (1939) - A short film by René Clément. The 'Réductions' of the Jesuits in Paraguay (historical missions).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

Quel est le montant de la réduction ?
Est-ce que la réduction est déjà appliquée ?
C'est une réduction incroyable !
Je cherche des articles en réduction.

Travel

Avez-vous une réduction pour les seniors ?
Je voudrais un billet au tarif réduit.
La réduction s'applique-t-elle au TGV ?
Il n'y a pas de réduction pour les groupes ?

Work

La réduction du temps de travail est prévue.
Nous devons discuter de la réduction des coûts.
Il y aura une réduction d'effectifs cet été.
La réduction du stress au travail est vitale.

Cooking

Faites une réduction de vinaigre balsamique.
La sauce nécessite une longue réduction.
Cette réduction est trop liquide.
Goûtez la réduction avant de servir.

Environment

La réduction des déchets commence chez soi.
Nous visons une réduction des émissions.
La réduction de la consommation d'énergie.
Le plan de réduction de la pollution.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu connais un site avec des bonnes réductions pour les vêtements ?"

"Penses-tu que la réduction du temps de travail est une bonne idée pour la productivité ?"

"As-tu déjà demandé une réduction dans un magasin de luxe ?"

"Quelle est la plus grosse réduction que tu as jamais obtenue ?"

"Est-ce qu'il y a des réductions pour les étudiants dans ta ville ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une fois où vous avez obtenu une réduction inattendue.

Que pensez-vous de la réduction de la vitesse sur les routes ?

Faites une liste de vos astuces pour trouver des réductions en ligne.

Imaginez un monde avec une réduction drastique de la technologie.

Pourquoi la réduction des déchets est-elle difficile pour vous ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should always say 'la réduction' or 'une réduction'. Most words ending in '-tion' in French are feminine, which is a helpful rule to remember for your grammar studies.

Not exactly. A sale is 'les soldes'. 'Réduction' is the discount you get *during* the sale. For example: 'Pendant les soldes, il y a de grosses réductions.'

You should say: 'Avez-vous un tarif réduit pour les étudiants ?' or 'Est-ce qu'il y a une réduction pour les étudiants ?'. Don't forget to have your student ID (carte d'étudiant) ready.

In many cases, they are interchangeable. However, 'remise' often sounds more like a personal favor or a commercial gesture, whereas 'réduction' is the more technical and general term for any price drop.

Yes, it is used in chemistry to describe the gain of electrons (the opposite of oxidation). It is also used in mathematics for simplifying fractions.

You say 'une réduction de vingt pour cent'. It is important to include the word 'de' between 'réduction' and the number.

Yes, it can describe the physical shrinking of an object or the simplification of a complex idea. For example, 'la réduction d'un texte' means making a text shorter.

Yes, it is extremely common. You will hear it in shops, on the news, in hospitals, and in schools. It is a fundamental word for A2 level learners.

It is a 'discount code' that you enter on a website when shopping online to get a lower price on your order.

Yes, in medical terms, 'la réduction d'une fracture' is the process of putting a broken bone back into its correct position.