Translating 'to spend': passer or dépenser?
The verbs passer and dépenser can both translate to 'to spend' in English. They should be used in different contexts.
• When referring to durations of time, we use passer:
J’ai passé 3 heures à t’attendre ! I spent 3 hours waiting for you!
Victor a passé sa vie à écrire. Victor spent his life writing.
Muriel va passer 3 jours à la plage. Muriel is going to spend 3 days at the beach.
Victor a passé sa vie à écrire. Victor spent his life writing.
Muriel va passer 3 jours à la plage. Muriel is going to spend 3 days at the beach.
• For money, purchases, or energy, we use dépenser:
J’ai dépensé 200 euros pour acheter ces chaussures ! I spent 200 euros on these shoes!
Victor dépense son argent sans compter. Victor spends his money without thinking (literally 'without counting').
Tu dépenses trop d’énergie dans ton travail, repose-toi ! You spend too much energy in your work, take a break!
Victor dépense son argent sans compter. Victor spends his money without thinking (literally 'without counting').
Tu dépenses trop d’énergie dans ton travail, repose-toi ! You spend too much energy in your work, take a break!
Still having trouble with 'Translating ‘to spend’: passer or dépenser?'? Master the rules of French grammar and improve your French level thanks to our online French lessons Frantastique. We're offering a 7-day free trial, so what are you waiting for?
What our users say:
Looking to improve French for beginners? Frantastique provides effective and fun training!
Tips for learning 'Translating ‘to spend’: passer or dépenser?'? Share them with us!
