French Phrase
L'entreprise abonde ton 401(k).
Meaning
This sentence means “The company matches your 401(k).” In the United States, a 401(k) is a retirement savings plan, and many employers “match” a portion of the employee’s contributions. The verb “abonder” is used here in a financial sense, meaning to add a matching amount.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing workplace benefits, especially in a conversation about retirement savings, financial planning, or when comparing job offers. It’s most common in a professional or informal setting where both speakers understand the concept of a 401(k).
✦Grammar Breakdown
L'entrepriseabondeton401(k)
L'entreprise (subject)
A singular feminine noun preceded by the definite article "l'" because it begins with a vowel.
abonde (verb)
Third‑person singular present of "abonder" used here in the financial sense “to match” or “to contribute a matching amount”.
ton (possessive adjective)
Informal second‑person singular; use "votre" for formal or plural contexts.
401(k) (noun)
A proper noun referring to the U.S. retirement savings plan; kept unchanged in French.
🗨In Conversation
L'entreprise abonde ton 401(k) à hauteur de 5 % de ton salaire.
The company matches your 401(k) up to 5% of your salary.
C’est super ! Ça rend le plan beaucoup plus intéressant.
That’s great! It makes the plan a lot more attractive.
✕Common Mistakes
L'entreprise abonde sur ton 401(k).
Learners often confuse "abonder" with "abonder sur" (to be abundant in). Here it means "to match" in a financial context.
L'entreprise abonde votre 401(k).
In a formal setting you should use the polite "votre" instead of the informal "ton".
L'entreprise abonde ton plan de retraite.
Do not translate the term; keep the English abbreviation because it is a specific US plan.
↔Alternatives
L'entreprise cotise à ton 401(k).
The company contributes to your 401(k).
L'entreprise égalise tes versements au 401(k).
The company matches your 401(k) contributions.
Ton employeur complète ton 401(k).
Your employer tops up your 401(k).
Cultural Tip
The 401(k) is a uniquely American retirement vehicle; in France, the closest equivalents are the "Plan d'Épargne Retraite (PER)" or "épargne salariale". When teaching this phrase to French learners, explain that "abonder" in finance is a loanword from English and is not used for everyday matching (e.g., matching socks). Also, note that using "ton" is informal; in a formal workplace conversation you would say "votre 401(k)".