French Phrase
Compare bien les prix.
Meaning
‘Compare bien les prix.’ means ‘Compare the prices carefully.’ It is a short, practical piece of advice often given when someone is about to make a purchase, either in a store or online.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to remind a friend, a colleague, or a customer to look at several offers before deciding. It works well in shopping trips, budgeting discussions, or when comparing subscription plans.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comparebienlesprix.
Imperative Mood
‘Compare’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *comparer* (to compare). It is used to give a direct command or advice.
Adverb Placement
The adverb *bien* (well, carefully) normally precedes the direct object in French imperatives, giving the nuance ‘do it well’.
Definite Article + Plural Noun
‘les prix’ is a plural noun preceded by the definite article *les*, meaning ‘the prices’ in a general sense.
🗨In Conversation
Je veux acheter un nouveau téléphone, mais je ne sais pas lequel choisir.
I want to buy a new phone, but I don’t know which one to choose.
Compare bien les prix avant de décider, il y a souvent de bonnes promos.
Compare the prices carefully before deciding; there are often good promotions.
✕Common Mistakes
Compare les prix bien.
In an imperative, the adverb *bien* should come before the direct object, not after it.
Compare les prix bon.
‘Bon’ is an adjective, not an adverb; you need *bien* to modify the verb.
Comparé bien les prix.
The verb must be in the imperative form *compare*, not the past participle *comparé*.
↔Alternatives
Vérifie bien les prix.
Check the prices carefully.
Fais attention aux prix.
Pay attention to the prices.
Compare les prix attentivement.
Compare the prices attentively.
Cultural Tip
In France, price‑comparison is a common habit, especially for big‑ticket items like electronics, travel tickets, or groceries. When giving advice, French speakers often soften the imperative with *s’il te plaît* or *s’il vous plaît* in formal contexts: *Compare bien les prix, s’il vous plaît.* Also, remember that “bon marché” (cheap) can sound slightly informal; using the verb *comparer* keeps the tone neutral and professional.