Participe passé de "coûter" (sens figuré)

In French, the past participle usually agrees with the direct object if it comes before the verb. For example, with regarder, you say la photo que j'ai regardée. But coûter is special. Most of the time, the thing that follows coûter isn't a direct object. It is a measurement of price. Grammar experts call this an "adverbial complement." Because it is not a direct object, we don't do the agreement. However, when coûter means "to cause" or "to require" (the figurative sense), the object becomes a real direct object. Suddenly, the agreement rule turns on! It is like a light switch. Money? Switch off. Effort or sacrifice? Switch on. You just need to ask yourself: "Am I paying with a credit card or with my soul?" Okay, that is a bit dramatic, but you get the idea. If it is about the price of a baguette, keep it simple. If it is about the years of work you spent, get ready to add those extra letters.

1. 1To master this, follow these three simple steps:
2. 2Identify the object that comes before the verb coûter in the sentence.
3. 3Determine if the sentence is talking about literal money/price or a figurative cost (effort, pain, time).
4. 4If it is literal money, always use coûté. No changes ever.
5. 5If it is figurative effort, add e for feminine, s for masculine plural, or es for feminine plural to match the object.

Use the agreement (the figurative sense) when you are talking about the "cost" of life experiences. This happens often in job interviews or when telling stories. Imagine you are talking about the many efforts you made to learn French. You would say: Les efforts que cette langue m'a coûtés. Here, "efforts" is masculine plural and it comes before the verb. Since efforts aren't currency, we add the s. Use this pattern for things like peines (troubles), sacrifices (sacrifices), or larmes (tears). It shows that the cost was personal and emotional. It is a great way to add depth to your French. You are not just a person who buys things; you are a person who experiences things! This rule helps you express that nuance perfectly.

Do not use agreement when you are talking about actual money. This is the most common scenario. If you are at a restaurant or a shop, you are safe. For example: Les cent euros que ce repas a coûté. Even though euros is masculine plural and comes before the verb, we don't add an s. Why? Because 100 euros is a price, not a direct object. Think of it like a speed limit. The rule just doesn't apply here. This applies to any currency: dollars, yen, or gold coins. If you can put it in a bank, don't change the ending of coûté. It stays as the basic form. It is much easier for your brain when you are just shopping for clothes or groceries. Keep it simple and keep it coûté.

One big mistake is trying to be "too good" at grammar. You might think, "I see a plural object before the verb, I must add an s!" This is a trap. If you say Les dollars que j'ai coûtés, you are saying that you personally cost some dollars, which sounds very strange! Another mistake is forgetting the agreement when you actually need it. If you say Les peines que j'ai coûté, it looks like a typo to a French reader. Remember, the figurative sense is about the impact on you. Another common slip-up is confusing coûter with other verbs like payer. Just focus on the meaning of the sentence. Is it a receipt or a memory? That is your golden rule. Even if you make a mistake, people will usually understand you. But getting it right makes you look like a pro.

This rule is very similar to other "measurement" verbs like valoir (to be worth) or peser (to weigh). For example, Les kilos que j'ai pesé (the weight on the scale) vs Les kilos que j'ai pesés (the actual weights I lifted at the gym). It is the same logic. Literal measurement equals no agreement. Figurative or direct action equals agreement. It is like a family of verbs that all have the same secret rule. Once you learn it for coûter, you have the key for several others. It is like a "buy one, get three free" deal for your brain. Most A1 learners don't know this, so you are already ahead of the curve. Just remember the "Price vs. Effort" divide and you will be fine.