In French, the primary currency is the euro (l'euro), abbreviated as EUR and symbolized by €. One euro is divided into 100 centimes (les centimes), similar to cents in the dollar system. Common currency-related terms include l'argent (money), la monnaie (change), and le billet (banknote). Prices are typically expressed with a comma as the decimal separator (e.g., 10,50 € for ten euros and fifty cents).
- Currency: l'euro (m.), les centimes (pl.)
- Money: l'argent (m.)
- Change: la monnaie
- Banknote: le billet
- Coin: la pièce
- Price: le prix
l'euro
l'argent
Example: Paying in a Store
- Je voudrais payer en espèces. (I would like to pay in cash.)
- Acceptez-vous la carte bancaire? (Do you accept credit cards?)
- Puis-je avoir un reçu, s'il vous plaît? (Can I have a receipt, please?)
Je voudrais payer en espèces.
Acceptez-vous la carte bancaire?
Conclusion
French currency vocabulary centers on the euro system with terms for money, coins, and payment methods that are essential for everyday transactions.
- Use l'euro for currency and remember centimes for small change
- Key terms: l'argent (money), la monnaie (change), le billet (banknote), la pièce (coin)
- Common phrases help you navigate payments and ask about accepted methods