French Phrase
Considère ça comme une faveur rendue.
Meaning
This phrase is used to indicate that an action is being performed to repay a previous kindness or debt. It suggests a sense of balance in a relationship, where one good deed is met with another. The word 'rendue' specifically emphasizes the act of returning or giving back what was previously received.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual or semi-formal situations when you do something for someone who has helped you in the past. It is a polite way to tell someone that you are now 'even' or that you haven't forgotten their previous help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Considèreçacommeune faveurrendue
L'impératif (Considère)
This is the imperative form of the verb 'considérer'. In the 'tu' form, the final 's' is dropped for -er verbs unless followed by 'y' or 'en'.
Accord du participe passé (rendue)
The past participle 'rendue' comes from the verb 'rendre' (to return). It takes an 'e' at the end because it agrees with the feminine noun 'une faveur'.
🗨In Conversation
Merci beaucoup de m'avoir aidé avec mon déménagement !
Thank you so much for helping me with my move!
De rien ! Considère ça comme une faveur rendue.
You're welcome! Consider it a favor returned.
✕Common Mistakes
Considère ça comme une faveur donné.
The past participle must be 'rendue' to indicate the favor is being returned, and it must agree with the feminine noun 'faveur'.
Considère ce comme une faveur rendue.
Use the pronoun 'ça' to refer to the action or situation; 'ce' is generally used as a demonstrative adjective before a noun or with the verb être.
↔Alternatives
On est quittes.
We're even.
C'est pour te remercier de ton aide l'autre jour.
It's to thank you for your help the other day.
Cultural Tip
While French culture values reciprocity, saying 'on est quittes' can sometimes sound a bit blunt or business-like. Using 'Considère ça comme une faveur rendue' is a slightly more elegant way to acknowledge a shared history of mutual help without making it sound like a cold transaction.