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French Phrase

Je veux mettre de l'argent de côté.

/ʒə vø mɛtʁ də laʁʒɑ̃ də kote/
Meaning"I want to set aside some money."
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Meaning

This sentence means “I want to set aside some money.” It conveys a personal intention to save money for future use, whether for a specific goal or as a general habit.

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When to use

Use this phrase when talking about budgeting, personal finance, or any situation where you’re planning to save money—e.g., discussing a new savings plan, explaining why you’re cutting back on expenses, or setting a financial goal.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Jeveuxmettredel'argentdecôté

1

vouloir + infinitif

The verb *vouloir* (to want) is followed directly by an infinitive verb to express desire.

2

mettre de côté

The idiom *mettre de côté* means “to set aside, to save” and is used with money, time, or resources.

3

elision de l'

Before a vowel or mute *h*, the article *le* contracts to *l'* (e.g., *l'argent*).

4

noun gender & agreement

*argent* is masculine; adjectives or past participles would agree with it if used.

🗨In Conversation

A

Je veux mettre de l'argent de côté chaque mois.

I want to set aside money each month.

C’est une excellente idée ! Tu peux ouvrir un livret d’épargne.

That’s a great idea! You could open a savings account.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Je veux mettre l'argent de côté.

    Missing the preposition *de* before *l'argent*; the idiom requires *mettre de côté*.

  • Je veux mettre de l'argent à côté.

    The preposition *à* changes the meaning to “put the money next to something,” not “set aside.”

  • Je veux mettre de l'argent dans le côté.

    Incorrect literal translation; French never uses *dans le côté* for saving.

↔Alternatives

  • Je veux économiser de l'argent.

    I want to save money.

  • Je souhaite mettre de l'argent de côté.

    I wish to set aside some money.

  • Je prévois d'épargner.

    I plan to save.

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Cultural Tip

In French, *mettre de côté* is the go‑to idiom for saving money, time, or resources. It’s slightly more informal than *économiser*, which can sound a bit more technical. French speakers often talk about *un livret d’épargne* (savings account) or *un plan d’épargne* when they discuss long‑term saving, and the phrase fits well in both casual conversation and more formal financial advice.