Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb 13 min de leitura

commercer

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas commercer em 30 segundos

Explicação commercer in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need the word 'commercer'. You should focus on simple verbs like 'acheter' (to buy) and 'vendre' (to sell). If you see 'commercer', just think of it as a big word for 'doing business'. You might see it on a sign for a 'centre commercial' (shopping center), which comes from the same root. At this stage, just remember that it has to do with money and stores. You won't be expected to use it in your own speaking yet, but recognizing it as the verb for 'business' is a good first step. It is a regular '-er' verb, so it follows the same patterns as 'parler' (to speak) or 'habiter' (to live), which makes it easy to conjugate if you ever need to. Just remember: 'Je commerce' is 'I trade', but you probably won't say that to your friends. You would say 'Je fais les courses' (I'm shopping) or 'J'achète quelque chose' (I'm buying something). Keep it simple for now and focus on the basic transactions of daily life. If you do see it in a text, it's likely talking about a merchant or a shopkeeper, called 'un commerçant'. These people are very important in French culture, as the 'petit commerce' (small business) is the heart of many French towns. So, while the verb 'commercer' is a bit advanced, the idea of commerce is something you will encounter every day in France.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about your job and your daily environment. You might use the noun 'le commerce' to say you work in a shop or in business ('Je travaille dans le commerce'). The verb 'commercer' is still a bit formal, but you can use it to describe what a company does on a larger scale. For example, if you are describing your town, you might say 'Beaucoup de gens ici commercent avec les villes voisines' (Many people here trade with neighboring towns). You should also be aware of the spelling rule for 'nous commerçons' with the cedilla (ç). This is a common test point for A2 students. You might also start to see 'commercer' in simple historical texts about explorers or the history of France. It is a useful word to have in your passive vocabulary (words you understand but don't use often). When you want to sound a bit more professional in a role-play exercise about a job interview or a business meeting, using 'commercer' instead of just 'vendre' can show the examiner that you have a wider range of vocabulary. Just remember to always use 'avec' if you are mentioning a partner. 'Nous commerçons avec l'Espagne' is a perfect A2-level sentence that is clear, grammatically correct, and uses a slightly more advanced verb than 'vendre'.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex topics like the economy, history, and social issues. 'Commercer' becomes a very useful verb here. You should use it to discuss international trade, trade agreements, and the history of globalization. You should be comfortable using it in different tenses, especially the 'passé composé' and the 'futur simple'. For example, 'Dans le passé, les pays commerçaient principalement par voie maritime' (In the past, countries traded mainly by sea). You should also understand the difference between 'commercer' and 'négocier'. At B1, you can also start using the gerund form: 'On apprend beaucoup sur une culture en commerçant avec elle' (One learns a lot about a culture by trading with it). This shows a good command of French sentence structure. You should also be able to discuss the ethical side of trade, using 'commercer' in sentences about fair trade (le commerce équitable) or environmental impact. If you are preparing for the DELF B1 exam, 'commercer' is a great 'keyword' for the 'production écrite' (writing) and 'production orale' (speaking) sections when the topic is about the economy or work. It sounds much more natural and 'French' than using the English-inspired 'faire du business'. It demonstrates that you are moving beyond basic survival French and into the realm of professional and academic discussion.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'commercer' with nuance. This includes understanding its figurative meanings and its role in formal discourse. You should be able to discuss the 'Code de Commerce' or the legal rights of those who 'commercent'. You can use the verb to debate complex topics like 'faut-il commercer avec des pays non démocratiques ?' (should we trade with non-democratic countries?). At this level, you should also be familiar with related terms like 'le libre-échange' (free trade) and how 'commercer' fits into that context. Your grammar should be flawless, including the 'ç' in 'commerçons' and 'commerçais'. You might also encounter 'commercer' in more literary contexts, where it can mean 'to have dealings with' or 'to frequent'. While you might not use it this way in daily life, being able to recognize this nuance in a text by Voltaire or Balzac is a hallmark of a B2 learner. You should also be able to compare and contrast 'commercer' with synonyms like 'trafiquer', 'marchander', or 'échanger', explaining the subtle differences in connotation and register. For a B2 student, 'commercer' is not just a verb; it's a tool for high-level analysis of economic and social systems. You should feel confident using it in a formal presentation or a structured essay about the benefits and drawbacks of international trade.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

For C1 learners, 'commercer' is a word that can be used to add stylistic flair and precision to your arguments. You should be aware of the historical evolution of the word and how its meaning has narrowed over the centuries from general 'intercourse' to specific 'trade'. In your writing, you can use 'commercer' to evoke a sense of tradition or to discuss the philosophical implications of exchange. For example, you might write about 'le commerce des idées' (the exchange of ideas), using the noun form in a highly abstract way, and then use the verb 'commercer' to ground the discussion in economic reality. You should be able to use it in complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive or the conditional: 'Il serait souhaitable que nous commerçions davantage avec nos partenaires locaux' (It would be desirable for us to trade more with our local partners). At C1, you should also be sensitive to the 'register' of the word. You know that 'commercer' can sound slightly archaic or very formal, and you use this to your advantage to set the tone of your discourse. You can also analyze texts where 'commercer' is used ironically or critically, such as in political satire. Your mastery of the word should be such that you can explain its nuances to a lower-level learner, including the precise reasons why one would choose 'commercer' over 'vendre' or 'faire des affaires' in a given context.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, you have a near-native understanding of 'commercer'. You can use it in all its historical, legal, and figurative glory. You might use it in a doctoral thesis or a high-level diplomatic report. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word (from the Latin 'commercium') and how it relates to the concept of 'merchandise' and 'mercy' (merci). You can engage in sophisticated wordplay or use the verb in a way that recalls its 17th-century meaning of 'social interaction' to achieve a specific literary effect. For example, 'Il ne commerce plus qu'avec ses livres' (He no longer deals with anyone but his books). This level of mastery allows you to use the word with total flexibility. You are also aware of the most obscure collocations and idiomatic uses that might appear in classical French literature. You can discuss the 'droit de commercer' not just as a legal rule, but as a fundamental human right in the context of Enlightenment philosophy. For a C2 speaker, 'commercer' is a versatile and rich verb that represents the complexity of human interaction, whether it's the exchange of goods in a global market or the exchange of souls in a poetic one. You use the word with an effortless precision that reflects a deep immersion in the French language and its history.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

commercer em 30 segundos

Commercer is a formal French verb meaning to trade or do business systematically.
It is primarily used for international trade, historical contexts, and professional business relations.
Grammatically, it is usually intransitive and requires the preposition 'avec' when mentioning a partner.
It differs from 'vendre' (to sell) by implying a long-term or large-scale economic activity.

The French verb commercer is a sophisticated term that goes far beyond the simple act of buying a loaf of bread at the local boulangerie. At its core, it refers to the systematic activity of trading, exchanging goods, or engaging in business transactions, often on a larger or more formal scale. While a child might 'vendre' (sell) a toy to a friend, a nation or a large enterprise will 'commercer' with its neighbors. It carries a historical weight, evoking images of merchant ships on the Mediterranean or caravans traversing the Silk Road. In modern French, it is frequently used to describe international trade relations or the general state of business between two entities.

Scope of Activity: Commercer implies a continuous or professional engagement in trade rather than a one-off transaction. It is about the flow of goods and services over time.

Les marchands vénitiens ont passé des siècles à commercer avec l'Orient pour rapporter des épices précieuses.

Beyond the literal exchange of products, 'commercer' has a fascinating figurative dimension. In literary or older contexts, it can refer to social intercourse or the exchange of ideas and company. If you 'commerce' with someone in this sense, you are frequenting their company or having dealings with them. However, be careful: in modern usage, saying you 'commerce' with someone can sometimes imply a shady or suspicious relationship, depending on the context. It suggests a level of involvement that is more formal than 'parler' (to talk) but more intimate than 'travailler' (to work).

Grammatical Nuance: It is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. You 'commercer avec' (trade with) someone, you don't 'commercer' a product directly.

Il est difficile de commercer avec des pays qui n'ont pas la même monnaie.

Historically, the word is tied to the concept of the 'bourgeoisie' and the rise of the merchant class in Europe. It represents the transition from feudal systems to market economies. When you use 'commercer,' you are tapping into a vocabulary that built the modern world's economic structures. It is a word that commands respect in a business setting, suggesting a professional grasp of market dynamics and diplomatic exchange.

Le traité permet aux deux nations de commercer sans barrières douanières.

Social Interaction: In classical literature, 'commercer' was used to describe any kind of exchange, including intellectual or romantic dealings, though this is now archaic.

Ils ont arrêté de commercer ensemble après leur dispute juridique.

In summary, use 'commercer' when you want to sound professional, historical, or when discussing the macro-level of business. It is the verb of the entrepreneur, the diplomat, and the historian alike. It bridges the gap between the simple 'acheter' (buy) and the complex 'négocier' (negotiate), providing a broad umbrella for the entire world of commerce.

Peut-on encore commercer de manière éthique dans un monde globalisé ?

Using commercer correctly requires an understanding of its prepositional requirements and its intransitive nature. Unlike many verbs in English where you can 'trade a car,' in French, you do not 'commercer une voiture.' Instead, you 'commercer avec' someone or you 'faire le commerce de' something. This distinction is vital for achieving a B1 level of fluency. When you use 'commercer avec,' you are focusing on the partner in the transaction. This is common in political and economic discussions.

The 'Avec' Structure: Subject + Commercer + Avec + Partner. This shows who the trade is happening with.

La France commerce avec de nombreux pays à travers le monde.

When you want to specify the goods being traded, 'commercer' is often replaced by the phrase 'faire le commerce de.' However, 'commercer' can be used on its own to describe the general activity. For example, 'Il gagne sa vie en commerçant' (He earns his living by trading). Here, the focus is on the action itself, not the items or the people. This usage is quite elegant and implies a professional status. It suggests that the person is a merchant by trade.

Tense Shifts: In the past (passé composé), use 'avoir': 'J'ai commercé'. In the future: 'Je commercerai'.

Nous commercerons plus facilement une fois que les taxes seront réduites.

Another common way to see this word is in the gerund form: 'en commerçant.' This is used to explain the method by which something was achieved. 'Il est devenu riche en commerçant avec l'Asie' (He became rich by trading with Asia). This structure is very useful for explaining business histories or success stories. It emphasizes the process and the repeated nature of the trade.

Il a passé toute sa jeunesse à commercer sur les marchés locaux.

Negative Contexts: Using 'ne plus commercer avec' can indicate a boycott or a breakdown in diplomatic relations.

L'entreprise a décidé de ne plus commercer avec ce fournisseur peu fiable.

Finally, consider the nuances of 'pouvoir commercer' vs 'devoir commercer.' The former suggests a right or an opportunity (e.g., 'le droit de commercer'), while the latter suggests a necessity (e.g., 'nous devons commercer pour survivre'). These modal verbs help refine the intention behind the trade. Whether you are writing a business report or a historical essay, mastering these sentence patterns will allow you to describe economic interactions with precision and elegance.

Si vous voulez réussir, vous devez apprendre à commercer intelligemment.

You are most likely to encounter commercer in specific environments: news broadcasts, history books, economic journals, and formal business meetings. It is not a word you would typically use while chatting at a bar about buying a new phone. Instead, imagine a news anchor on 'France 2' discussing a new trade agreement between the European Union and Canada. They might say, 'Cet accord permettra aux entreprises françaises de commercer plus librement avec le Canada.' In this context, the word adds a layer of officialdom and broad economic scope.

Media Usage: Look for it in headlines about 'accords commerciaux' (trade deals) or 'échanges internationaux'.

À la télévision : 'Le pays a recommencé à commercer après des années d'embargo.'

In the academic world, specifically in history and sociology, 'commercer' is a key term. Professors use it to describe the development of civilizations. You'll read about how the Greeks 'commerçaient' with the Egyptians. Here, it isn't just about money; it's about the exchange of culture, technology, and religion through the medium of trade. If you are a student of 'Histoire-Géo' in France, you will see this word in almost every chapter dealing with the modern era and the Age of Discovery.

The Legal Sphere: The 'Code de Commerce' defines who has the legal right to 'commercer' and under what conditions.

Dans un manuel d'histoire : 'La Hanse était une association de villes qui voulaient commercer en sécurité.'

You might also hear it in a more abstract, negative sense in political debates. A politician might accuse an opponent of 'commercer avec l'ennemi' (trading with the enemy) or 'commercer avec des régimes dictatoriaux.' In these cases, the word takes on a moral or ethical weight. It suggests that the act of trading is not just business, but a form of support or collaboration. This 'heavy' use of the word is powerful and should be used with caution.

Lors d'un débat : 'Nous ne pouvons plus commercer avec ceux qui bafouent les droits de l'homme.'

Literature and Cinema: Period dramas often use 'commercer' to establish an authentic 18th or 19th-century atmosphere.

Dans un film d'époque : 'Mon père a passé sa vie à commercer les tissus fins.'

Finally, in the world of high-end antiques or specialized markets (like wine or art), 'commercer' is used to dignify the profession. A high-end wine merchant might say they 'commercent' in rare vintages. It sounds more prestigious than simply saying they 'sell' wine. It implies expertise, a network, and a long-term commitment to the craft. So, if you want to elevate your speech when talking about business, 'commercer' is your go-to verb.

Un expert en art : 'Pour bien commercer dans ce milieu, il faut avoir l'œil pour le détail.'

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with commercer is trying to use it as a transitive verb. In English, you can 'trade stamps' or 'trade stocks.' However, in French, 'commercer' is primarily intransitive. You cannot say 'Je commerce des timbres.' Instead, you should say 'Je fais le commerce de timbres' or 'Je vends et j'achète des timbres.' This is a classic 'false friend' of structure, where the meaning translates but the grammar does not. Forgetting the 'avec' or the 'faire le commerce de' is the quickest way to sound like a beginner.

Transitivity Trap: Incorrect: 'Il commerce le blé.' Correct: 'Il fait le commerce du blé' or 'Il commerce en blé' (rare/literary).

Attention : Ne dites pas 'Je veux commercer ce produit'. Dites 'Je veux vendre ce produit'.

Another mistake is the spelling of the 'nous' form. This is a common issue with all verbs ending in '-cer' (like 'commencer' or 'placer'). To maintain the soft 's' sound of the 'c' before an 'o,' you must add a cedilla: 'nous commerçons.' If you write 'nous commercons,' it would be pronounced with a hard 'k' sound (/kɔ.mɛʁ.kɔ̃/), which is incorrect. This is a small detail that French teachers and examiners look for at the B1 and B2 levels to see if you have mastered basic orthographic rules.

Confusing with 'Commencer': They look similar! 'Commencer' means to start, 'Commercer' means to trade. One extra 'm' and an 'r' make a huge difference.

Erreur courante : 'Nous commençons à travailler' (We start to work) vs 'Nous commerçons avec eux' (We trade with them).

Contextual appropriateness is also a pitfall. Using 'commercer' for a simple transaction, like buying a coffee, sounds bizarre and overly dramatic. If you say 'Je commerce avec le barista pour un café,' the barista will think you are joking or that you are a time traveler from the 17th century. Use 'commercer' for business relationships, international trade, or historical contexts. For everyday buying and selling, stick to 'acheter' and 'vendre.'

Usage inapproprié : 'Je vais commercer au supermarché' (I'm going to trade at the supermarket). Dites plutôt : 'Je vais faire les courses'.

Preposition Errors: Don't use 'à' after commercer. It is always 'avec' (with) or 'en' (in certain goods, though 'en' is rare).

Faux : 'Il commerce à Londres'. Vrai : 'Il commerce avec des entreprises à Londres'.

Finally, be careful with the figurative use. While 'commercer avec quelqu'un' can mean to socialise, in modern slang or informal speech, it might be misunderstood or sound like you are trying too hard to be poetic. If you want to say you are hanging out with someone, use 'fréquenter' or 'voir.' Save 'commercer' for the boardroom, the history essay, or the news report.

Il est rare de commercer sans contrat écrit de nos jours.

To truly master the vocabulary of exchange, you need to know where commercer fits among its peers. The most common alternative is the phrase faire du commerce. While 'commercer' is a single verb, 'faire du commerce' is more frequently used in everyday conversation to describe someone's profession. If you ask someone what they do, they might reply, 'Je fais du commerce' (I'm in business). This is slightly less formal than 'Je commerce,' which sounds more like a statement about a specific trade relationship.

Commercer vs. Vendre/Acheter: 'Vendre' and 'Acheter' are the specific actions. 'Commercer' is the overarching activity. You buy and sell in order to trade.

On peut commercer sans forcément vendre un produit physique, comme dans le cas des services.

Another close relative is négocier (to negotiate). While 'commercer' is the act of trading, 'négocier' is the process of agreeing on the terms of that trade. You negotiate the price before you commerce. Then there is troquer (to barter), which is a specific type of 'commercer' where no money is involved. If you are discussing historical economies before the invention of currency, 'troquer' is a much more precise term than 'commercer,' although 'commercer' still works as a general term.

Synonym Comparison

Trafiquer : Often implies illegal or unethical trade (trafficking).
Marchander : To haggle or bargain over a price.
Échanger : To exchange or swap, more general than trade.

Il ne faut pas confondre commercer avec 'trafiquer', qui a une connotation très négative.

In the world of international relations, you might see échanger used as a noun ('les échanges commerciaux'). This is very common in news reports. However, 'commercer' remains the most formal verb to describe the action. For example, 'Les deux pays ont cessé d'échanger' sounds a bit vague, whereas 'Les deux pays ont cessé de commercer' is explicitly about business and trade. Choosing between these words depends on how much emphasis you want to put on the professional nature of the transaction.

Pour commercer efficacement, il faut comprendre la culture de l'autre.

Antonyms to Know

Boycotter : To refuse to trade or buy.
Produire : To make something (the opposite of the exchange phase).
Consommer : To use up or eat (the end of the trade cycle).

Certains préfèrent produire localement plutôt que de commercer avec l'étranger.

Understanding these distinctions will help you navigate French business environments with confidence. Whether you are talking about 'le commerce de détail' (retail) or 'le commerce de gros' (wholesale), knowing that 'commercer' is the formal verb that ties it all together will make your French sound more authentic and professional. Practice switching between 'commercer avec' and 'faire le commerce de' to see which fits your sentence better.

Est-il possible de commercer sans intermédiaire à l'ère du numérique ?

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root 'merx' is also the source of the word 'merci' (thanks), which originally meant 'payment' or 'reward'!

Guia de pronúncia

UK /kɔ.mɛʁ.se/

US /koʊ.mɛʁ.se/

Stress is on the final syllable 'cer'.

Rima com

commencer placer effacer avancer lancer dépenser penser passer

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the final 'r' (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the 'c' like a 'k' in 'nous commerçons'.
Confusing the vowel sounds with 'commencer'.
Making the 'm' sounds too short.
Stress on the first syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English word 'commerce'.

Escrita 4/5

Tricky because it is intransitive and has the 'ç' spelling rule.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation is standard for -er verbs.

Audição 3/5

Sounds similar to 'commencer', which can be confusing.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

vendre acheter argent marché travail

Aprenda a seguir

négocier échanger marchandise exportation importation

Avançado

mercantilisme douane protectionnisme libre-échange concurrence

Gramática essencial

Verbs ending in -cer

Nous commerçons (add cedilla before 'o').

Intransitive verbs

Commercer avec (needs a preposition).

The Gerund (En + Participe Présent)

En commerçant (shows how something is done).

The Future Simple

Je commercerai (standard -er ending).

The Subjunctive Mood

Il faut que nous commercions (standard -er ending).

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

Le magasin va commercer demain.

The store will trade tomorrow.

Simple future of an -er verb.

Il aime commercer avec ses amis.

He likes to trade with his friends.

Infinitive after 'aime'.

Nous commerçons dans ce quartier.

We trade in this neighborhood.

Note the 'ç' in 'commerçons'.

Elle veut commercer en ligne.

She wants to trade online.

Infinitive after 'veut'.

Ils commercent tous les jours.

They trade every day.

Present tense, third person plural.

Tu commerces avec lui ?

Are you trading with him?

Question form with 'avec'.

Le marché aide à commercer.

The market helps to trade.

Infinitive after 'aide à'.

Je ne veux pas commercer ici.

I don't want to trade here.

Negative construction.

Mon oncle commerce avec l'Italie depuis dix ans.

My uncle has been trading with Italy for ten years.

Present tense used for ongoing actions.

Il est important de bien commercer pour gagner de l'argent.

It is important to trade well to earn money.

Impersonal 'il est' + infinitive.

Nous avons commercé avec cette entreprise l'année dernière.

We traded with this company last year.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Elle a appris à commercer quand elle était jeune.

She learned to trade when she was young.

Past tense 'appris à' + infinitive.

Ils vont commercer de nouveaux produits bientôt.

They are going to trade new products soon.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

Pourquoi ne commercez-vous pas avec nous ?

Why don't you trade with us?

Negative question in the 'vous' form.

Le pays commence à commercer avec ses voisins.

The country is starting to trade with its neighbors.

'Commencer à' followed by 'commercer'.

Je préférais commercer au marché local.

I preferred to trade at the local market.

Imparfait showing habit.

Le traité de libre-échange permet de commercer sans taxes.

The free trade treaty allows trading without taxes.

Infinitive after 'permet de'.

Il a fait fortune en commerçant avec les colonies.

He made a fortune by trading with the colonies.

Gerund 'en commerçant' showing means.

Nous commercerons plus si les conditions s'améliorent.

We will trade more if conditions improve.

Futur simple in a 'si' clause.

Elle regrette d'avoir commercé avec cet homme malhonnête.

She regrets having traded with that dishonest man.

Past infinitive 'd'avoir commercé'.

Les Phéniciens commerçaient dans toute la Méditerranée.

The Phoenicians traded throughout the Mediterranean.

Imparfait for historical description.

Il est difficile de commercer sans une monnaie stable.

It is difficult to trade without a stable currency.

Infinitive used as a subject after 'il est'.

Ils ont décidé de ne plus commercer avec ce pays.

They decided to no longer trade with this country.

Negative infinitive 'de ne plus'.

Voulez-vous commercer avec notre groupe international ?

Do you want to trade with our international group?

Formal question with inversion.

L'entreprise a été accusée de commercer avec l'ennemi.

The company was accused of trading with the enemy.

Passive voice 'a été accusée de'.

Bien que nous commercions ensemble, nous restons rivaux.

Although we trade together, we remain rivals.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

Le droit de commercer est une liberté fondamentale.

The right to trade is a fundamental freedom.

Noun-like use of the infinitive.

Il a passé sa vie à commercer les épices et la soie.

He spent his life trading spices and silk.

Note: 'commercer' used transitively in historical/literary style.

Nous ne pourrons pas commercer tant que le port est bloqué.

We won't be able to trade as long as the port is blocked.

Future tense with 'tant que'.

Elle a cessé de commercer pour se consacrer à l'art.

She stopped trading to devote herself to art.

'Cesser de' + infinitive.

Le fait de commercer en ligne a changé les règles du jeu.

Trading online has changed the rules of the game.

Gerund-like use of 'le fait de'.

Ils commerçaient déjà avant l'arrivée des explorateurs.

They were already trading before the arrival of the explorers.

Imparfait for background action.

Il est impératif que nous commercions de manière responsable.

It is imperative that we trade responsibly.

Subjunctive after 'il est impératif que'.

L'auteur explore l'idée de commercer avec l'au-delà.

The author explores the idea of trading with the afterlife.

Figurative use of the verb.

On ne saurait commercer avec quelqu'un sans confiance mutuelle.

One cannot trade with someone without mutual trust.

Formal 'on ne saurait' + infinitive.

Sa tendance à commercer avec tout le monde l'a rendu suspect.

His tendency to deal with everyone made him suspect.

Figurative use meaning 'social dealings'.

Il commerce en gros depuis la fin de la guerre.

He has been trading wholesale since the end of the war.

Use of 'en gros' (wholesale).

Le désir de commercer a souvent précédé la diplomatie.

The desire to trade has often preceded diplomacy.

Abstract noun-like use of the infinitive.

Ils commerçaient sous le manteau pour éviter les taxes.

They were trading under the table to avoid taxes.

Idiom 'sous le manteau'.

Peut-on commercer avec la nature sans la détruire ?

Can we trade with nature without destroying it?

Philosophical use of the verb.

L'ouvrage traite du commerce des âmes et de l'art de commercer.

The work deals with the trade of souls and the art of trading.

Subtle play between noun and verb.

Il ne commerce plus qu'avec les fantômes de son passé.

He no longer deals with anyone but the ghosts of his past.

Highly literary figurative use.

La cité a périclité dès qu'elle a cessé de commercer.

The city declined as soon as it stopped trading.

Advanced verb 'péricliter'.

Nul ne peut commercer s'il n'est inscrit au registre.

No one can trade unless they are registered.

Formal 'nul ne peut' and negative 'ne... s'il n'est'.

Elle excellait dans l'art de commercer les faveurs politiques.

She excelled in the art of trading political favors.

Figurative/cynical use.

Commercer, c'est avant tout créer un lien entre les hommes.

To trade is, above all, to create a bond between men.

Infinitive as a subject for a definition.

Le traité stipule que les parties commerceront de bonne foi.

The treaty stipulates that the parties shall trade in good faith.

Legal future tense 'commerceront'.

L'éthique de commercer a été au cœur de sa réflexion.

The ethics of trading was at the heart of his reflection.

Abstract use with 'l'éthique de'.

Colocações comuns

commercer avec l'étranger

commercer en ligne

commercer avec l'ennemi

commercer de bonne foi

commercer en gros

le droit de commercer

commercer librement

commercer équitablement

cesser de commercer

apprendre à commercer

Frases Comuns

Commercer avec quelqu'un

— To have business dealings with someone.

Je ne commerce pas avec des gens que je ne connais pas.

Faire le commerce de...

— To trade in a specific product.

Il fait le commerce de bois précieux.

Le commerce extérieur

— International trade.

Le commerce extérieur est en baisse cette année.

Un accord pour commercer

— A trade agreement.

Ils ont signé un accord pour commercer sans douane.

Commercer à l'échelle mondiale

— To trade on a global scale.

Cette start-up commerce déjà à l'échelle mondiale.

L'art de commercer

— The skill or craft of trading.

L'art de commercer demande de la patience.

Commercer sur les marchés

— To trade in markets (physical or financial).

Il passe ses journées à commercer sur les marchés financiers.

Commercer par nécessité

— To trade out of necessity.

Ils devaient commercer pour survivre dans le désert.

Commercer sans frontières

— To trade without borders.

L'Europe est une zone pour commercer sans frontières.

Commercer avec sagesse

— To trade wisely.

Il faut commercer avec sagesse pour durer.

Frequentemente confundido com

commercer vs commencer

Means 'to start'. Easy to confuse due to spelling.

commercer vs commander

Means 'to order'. Often used in business but different meaning.

commercer vs communiquer

Means 'to communicate'. Similar sound but different root.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Commercer avec le diable"

— To make a dangerous or unethical deal.

Accepter cet argent, c'est commercer avec le diable.

literary/metaphorical

"Sous le manteau"

— Trading secretly or illegally.

Ils commerçaient des cigarettes sous le manteau.

informal

"Avoir le sens du commerce"

— To have a natural talent for business.

Elle a toujours eu le sens du commerce.

neutral

"Faire commerce de ses charmes"

— A euphemism for prostitution.

Elle faisait commerce de ses charmes dans les rues sombres.

literary/euphemistic

"Le commerce des idées"

— The exchange of intellectual concepts.

L'université est le lieu du commerce des idées.

academic

"Être d'un commerce agréable"

— To be pleasant company (old-fashioned).

C'est un homme d'un commerce fort agréable.

archaic/literary

"Rompre tout commerce"

— To cut off all relations (social or business).

Elle a rompu tout commerce avec sa famille.

literary

"Commercer en eaux troubles"

— To trade in suspicious or dangerous situations.

Il aime commercer en eaux troubles pour gagner plus.

metaphorical

"Le petit commerce"

— Small local shops/businesses.

Il faut soutenir le petit commerce de quartier.

neutral

"Libre comme l'air pour commercer"

— Having total freedom to trade.

Dans ce port franc, on est libre comme l'air pour commercer.

poetic

Fácil de confundir

commercer vs vendre

Both involve selling.

Vendre is the specific act; commercer is the general activity.

Je vends mon vélo (specific) vs. Je commerce avec l'Allemagne (general).

commercer vs négocier

Both happen in business.

Négocier is the talk; commercer is the trade.

On négocie le prix pour mieux commercer.

commercer vs trafiquer

Both mean trading.

Trafiquer is usually illegal; commercer is legal.

Il commerce le vin vs. Il trafique de la drogue.

commercer vs échanger

Both mean swapping.

Échanger is general; commercer is for profit/business.

Échanger des timbres vs. Commercer des matières premières.

commercer vs marchander

Both involve business.

Marchander is specifically about haggling over price.

Il marchande toujours avant de commercer.

Padrões de frases

Je veux commercer avec [country].

Je veux commercer avec le Canada.

Il a réussi en commerçant avec [group].

Il a réussi en commerçant avec les artisans.

Nous ne commerçons plus avec [company].

Nous ne commerçons plus avec cette usine.

Le droit de commercer est [adjective].

Le droit de commercer est essentiel.

Bien que nous commercions, nous sommes [noun].

Bien que nous commercions, nous sommes concurrents.

Il est rare de commercer sans [noun].

Il est rare de commercer sans intermédiaire.

L'art de commercer demande [noun].

L'art de commercer demande du flair.

Nul ne saurait commercer avec [concept].

Nul ne saurait commercer avec le destin.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

le commerce

le commerçant

la commerçante

la commercialisation

Verbos

commercialiser

recommercer

Adjetivos

commercial

commerciale

commerçable

commerçant

Relacionado

un marchand

une marchandise

le mercantilisme

un négoce

un échange

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Common in professional and academic contexts, rare in casual conversation.

Erros comuns

Nous commercons → Nous commerçons
Missing the cedilla makes the 'c' sound like a 'k'.
Je commerce mon vélo → Je vends mon vélo
Commercer is intransitive; it cannot take a direct object like 'vélo'.
Il commerce à la Chine → Il commerce avec la Chine
The preposition 'avec' is required to indicate the partner.
Ils commercent des drogues → Ils trafiquent des drogues
Commercer implies legal trade; trafiquer is for illegal goods.
Je commerce avec mon ami pour un café → Je vais prendre un café avec mon ami
Commercer is too formal for simple social or retail transactions.

Dicas

The Cedilla Rule

Always add a 'ç' before 'o' or 'a' to keep the soft 's' sound. This applies to 'nous commerçons' and 'je commerçais'.

Use for Nations

When talking about countries trading with each other, 'commercer' is the most natural and formal verb to use.

Avoid Direct Objects

Remember that you trade WITH someone, you don't trade the item directly with this verb. Use 'faire le commerce de' for items.

Sound Like a Native

Using 'commercer' instead of 'faire du business' will make your French sound much more authentic and high-level.

Historical Context

If you are writing about the Silk Road or the Renaissance, 'commercer' is the perfect verb to describe merchant activity.

Business Law

In legal documents, 'commercer' is the standard term for the activity of a merchant.

Social Dealings

Be aware that in older books, 'commercer' might just mean talking or hanging out with someone.

B1 Level Tip

At the B1 level, start using 'commercer' in your speaking exams to impress the examiner with your professional vocabulary.

English Connection

Connect it to 'Commerce' (the school subject or the noun) to remember the meaning easily.

Don't confuse with 'Commencer'

One has an 'R' (commercer - trade), the other doesn't (commencer - start). The 'R' stands for 'Resource' or 'Revenue'!

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'COMMERcial' on TV. It's trying to get you to TRADE your money for a product. COMMER-cial = COMMER-cer.

Associação visual

Imagine two ships meeting in the middle of the ocean to swap boxes of tea and silk. This is 'commercer'.

Word Web

Business Trade Money Exchange Merchant Market International Deal

Desafio

Try to write three sentences using 'commercer' in the past, present, and future about a fictional trade deal between Mars and Earth.

Origem da palavra

From the Old French 'commercer', which comes from the Latin 'commercium'.

Significado original: The Latin 'com-' means 'together' and 'merx' means 'merchandise'.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'commercer' in a figurative sense about people, as it can sound objectifying or imply illegal activity (trafficking).

In English, 'to commerce' is rarely used as a verb. We prefer 'to trade' or 'to do business'. Don't translate 'I do business' as 'Je fais business'; use 'Je commerce' or 'Je fais du commerce'.

The 'Code de Commerce' (Napoleonic Code) The Hanseatic League (La Hanse) The Silk Road (La Route de la Soie)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

International Business

accord commercial
barrières douanières
balance commerciale
flux de marchandises

History

route commerciale
comptoir colonial
marchands ambulants
foire médiévale

Legal

code de commerce
registre du commerce
litige commercial
contrat de vente

Small Business

commerce de proximité
commerçant indépendant
vitrine de magasin
clientèle fidèle

Online

commerce électronique
plateforme de vente
paiement sécurisé
livraison à domicile

Iniciadores de conversa

"Pensez-vous qu'il est plus facile de commercer aujourd'hui qu'autrefois ?"

"Avec quels pays la France commerce-t-elle le plus selon vous ?"

"Est-ce que vous aimeriez commercer avec des partenaires étrangers ?"

"Le commerce en ligne va-t-il tuer le petit commerce de quartier ?"

"Quels sont les risques de commercer sans contrat écrit ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez une situation où vous avez dû commercer ou échanger quelque chose d'important.

Imaginez que vous êtes un marchand au 18ème siècle. Avec qui commercez-vous ?

L'éthique est-elle compatible avec l'envie de commercer et de faire du profit ?

Comment Internet a-t-il changé votre façon de commercer ou d'acheter des produits ?

Pourquoi certains pays décident-ils de ne plus commercer avec d'autres ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'commercer' is intransitive. You should say 'Je vends une voiture' or 'Je fais le commerce de voitures'.

'Commercer' is a verb, while 'faire du commerce' is a phrase. 'Faire du commerce' is more common in everyday speech to describe a job.

To keep the soft 's' sound. Without it, the 'c' before 'o' would sound like a 'k'.

Usually, 'trafiquer' is used for illegal trade. 'Commercer' sounds more formal and legal.

Yes, but it is literary or archaic. In modern French, it's almost always about business.

The most direct way is 'commercer avec'.

It is common in news, history, and business, but less so in daily casual chat.

Un commerçant (male) or une commerçante (female).

Yes, it sounds very professional and shows a good vocabulary range.

Yes, they rhyme perfectly: /kɔ.mɛʁ.se/ and /kɔ.mɑ̃.se/.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas