Do you have trouble expressing the price of an item? Don't worry: this page is here to help!
Here you will find several expressions to indicate that an item is expensive, using different levels of language in French. Stop saying "C'est cher" & use the following expressions!
Are you ready to improve your vocabulary? Good luck!
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Expressions in Formal Language
C'est dispendieux
This expression is rather literary; it means “that causes expense, that is costly.”
C'est exorbitant
Literally : That's outrageous.
This expression indicates that the price is so expensive that my eyes pop out of their sockets.
C'est onéreux
This expression means “that imposes costs or expenses.”
C'est inabordable
Literally : It's unaffordable.
This expression means “whose high price makes purchase impossible or difficult”.
Les prix flambent
Literally : Prices are skyrocketing
This expression compares prices to a burning object.
C'est hors de prix
Expressions in Standard Language
Ça coûte cher
Le prix est élevé / astronomique
Ça coûte une fortune
Literally : It costs a fortune.
Ce n'est pas donné
Literally : It's not cheap
Expressions in Informal Language
Ça coûte une blinde
The « blinde » refers to placing a sum of money into play during a poker game.
Ça coûte les yeux de la tête / Ça coûte un bras
Literally : « It costs an arm and a leg / It costs an arm and a leg ».
The second expression
Ça douille (fort / beaucoup)
« Douiller » means « to pay » in slang.
Ça coûte la peau des fesses / Ça coûte la peau du cul / Ça coûte la peau des couilles
Literally : « It costs an arm and a leg / It costs an arm and a leg ».
The first expression remains familiar. The second & third are quite vulgar.
Ça coûte bonbon
Literally : « It costs candy ».
The « bonbons » refers to a man's private parts.