This chapter introduces you to the main French vocabulary related to currency, including the names of coins and bills, as well as common words for money and payment. This will help you navigate shopping, banking, and everyday conversations about finance in French.
Currency names
French currency vocabulary is centered around the word euro for the main currency, and centime for smaller units (like cents). Here are the key words:
| Singular French | Plural French | Singular English | Plural English | Example Sentence (French) | Example Sentence (English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| euro | euros | euro | euros | Un café coûte deux euros. | A coffee costs two euros. |
| centime | centimes | cent | cents | J’ai dix centimes. | I have ten cents. |
Note: Since 2002, France uses the euro (€). Older currency (francs) is no longer in circulation.
Coins (pièces)
Coins are called pièces in French. They are always referred to as pièce de followed by the amount.
| Singular French | Plural French | Singular English | Plural English | Example Sentence (French) | Example Sentence (English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pièce de 1 centime | pièces de 1 centime | -cent coin | -cent coins | Donne-moi une pièce de 1 centime. | Give me a 1-cent coin. |
| pièce de 2 centimes | pièces de 2 centimes | -cent coin | -cent coins | Il a des pièces de 2 centimes. | He has 2-cent coins. |
| pièce de 5 centimes | pièces de 5 centimes | -cent coin | -cent coins | Voici une pièce de 5 centimes. | Here is a 5-cent coin. |
| pièce de 10 centimes | pièces de 10 centimes | -cent coin | -cent coins | Je paie avec une pièce de 10 centimes. | I pay with a 10-cent coin. |
| pièce de 20 centimes | pièces de 20 centimes | -cent coin | -cent coins | As-tu une pièce de 20 centimes ? | Do you have a 20-cent coin? |
| pièce de 50 centimes | pièces de 50 centimes | -cent coin | -cent coins | Elle donne une pièce de 50 centimes. | She gives a 50-cent coin. |
| pièce d’1 euro | pièces d’1 euro | -euro coin | -euro coins | J’ai une pièce d’1 euro. | I have a 1-euro coin. |
| pièce de 2 euros | pièces de 2 euros | -euro coin | -euro coins | Il a une pièce de 2 euros. | He has a 2-euro coin. |
Bills (billets)
Banknotes are called billets in French. They come in several denominations.
| Singular French | Plural French | Singular English | Plural English | Example Sentence (French) | Example Sentence (English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| billet de 5 euros | billets de 5 euros | -euro bill | -euro bills | J’ai un billet de 5 euros. | I have a 5-euro bill. |
| billet de 10 euros | billets de 10 euros | -euro bill | -euro bills | Elle donne un billet de 10 euros. | She gives a 10-euro bill. |
| billet de 20 euros | billets de 20 euros | -euro bill | -euro bills | Il prend un billet de 20 euros. | He takes a 20-euro bill. |
| billet de 50 euros | billets de 50 euros | -euro bill | -euro bills | J’ai besoin d’un billet de 50 euros. | I need a 50-euro bill. |
| billet de 100 euros | billets de 100 euros | -euro bill | -euro bills | Un billet de 100 euros, s’il vous plaît. | A 100-euro bill, please. |
| billet de 200 euros | billets de 200 euros | -euro bill | -euro bills | Il a un billet de 200 euros. | He has a 200-euro bill. |
| billet de 500 euros | billets de 500 euros | -euro bill | -euro bills | Les billets de 500 euros sont rares. | -euro bills are rare. |
Common money words
These are useful everyday words related to paying, exchanging, and handling money.
| Singular French | English | Example Sentence (French) | Example Sentence (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| argent | money | J’ai besoin d’argent. | I need money. |
| monnaie | change (coins returned) | As-tu de la monnaie ? | Do you have change? |
| prix | price | Quel est le prix ? | What is the price? |
| coût | cost | Le coût est élevé. | The cost is high. |
| paiement | payment | Le paiement se fait en espèces. | Payment is made in cash. |
| carte bancaire | bank card | Je paie avec ma carte bancaire. | I pay with my bank card. |
| espèces | cash | Je paie en espèces. | I pay in cash. |
| billet | bill (banknote) | J’ai un billet de 10 euros. | I have a 10-euro bill. |
| pièce | coin | Voici une pièce. | Here is a coin. |
| portefeuille | wallet | Mon portefeuille est vide. | My wallet is empty. |
Useful expressions
To help you use the vocabulary in real situations, here are some common phrases:
| French Expression | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Combien ça coûte ? | How much does it cost? |
| C’est combien ? | How much is it? |
| Ça fait combien ? | How much is it? |
| Je voudrais ... | I would like ... |
| Avez-vous de la monnaie ? | Do you have change? |
| Je paie en espèces. | I pay in cash. |
| Je paie par carte. | I pay by card. |
| Gardez la monnaie. | Keep the change. |
| Puis-je avoir un reçu ? | Can I have a receipt? |
| Où est le distributeur ? | Where is the ATM? |
Translate: I pay with my bank card.
Je paie avec ma carte bancaire.
"Carte bancaire" means "bank card." This is the standard term in France for debit or credit cards.
Translate: I pay in cash.
Je paie en espèces.
"Espèces" means "cash" (physical money as opposed to card payment).
Flashcards (1 of 37)
- Singular English: euro
- Plural English: euros
- Example Sentence (English): A coffee costs two euros.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
