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Scene illustrating a French-language email greetings conversation

Key Phrases

Cher Monsieur

Dear Sir

Bien cordialement

Kind regards

En attente de votre réponse

Looking forward to your reply

Skills You'll Learn

How to formally address a letter

Comment adresser formellement une lettre

Expressing politeness in a business setting

Exprimer la politesse dans un contexte professionnel

Conveying eagerness to continue communication

Exprimer l'envie de continuer la communication

Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases

👨‍💼

Cher Monsieur

shehr muhn-syur

Dear Sir

💬 Use 'Cher' for men. The adjective matches the gender of the recipient.

🇫🇷 In France, using titles like 'Monsieur' shows respect and formality, especially in business.

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👩‍💼

Chère Madame

shehr mah-dahm

Dear Madam

💬 Use 'Chère' for women. Always adjust adjectives to match the feminine form.

🇫🇷 As in English, addressing with 'Madame' is a sign of professionalism and politeness.

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👥

Chers collègues

shehr koh-lehg

Dear colleagues

💬 'Chers' is plural and masculine, but commonly used for mixed or unknown gender groups.

🇫🇷 French workplaces value collegiality, so a polite yet warm address is appreciated.

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👋

Bonjour

bohn-zhoor

Hello

💬 A versatile greeting, informal yet often appropriate at the start of emails.

🇫🇷 'Bonjour' is widely used and acceptable in professional settings, adjusting formality based on context.

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🖊️

Cordialement

kor-dee-al-mon

Sincerely

💬 A safe choice for ending emails, balancing formality and friendliness.

🇫🇷 It's the go-to closing remark in French business emails, similar to English 'Best regards'.

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🙏

Bien cordialement

byehn kor-dee-al-mon

Kind regards

💬 A warmer variation of 'Cordialement', adding a personal touch.

🇫🇷 It softens professional interactions while maintaining respect.

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ℹ️

À qui de droit

ah kee duh dwa

To whom it may concern

💬 Used when the recipient is unknown or not specifically addressed.

🇫🇷 Formal and clear, suitable for legal or official documents.

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🤝

Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur/Madame, l'expression de mes sentiments respectueux.

zhuh voo pree d' ah-gray-ehr muhn-syur mah-dahm l' ex-preh-see-yohn duh meh sahn-tee-mah res-pehk-tu-euh

Yours faithfully

💬 Highly formal, ensuring utmost respect and politeness.

🇫🇷 Typically used in highly formal letters, reflecting traditional French letter-writing conventions.

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Je reste à votre disposition pour toute question.

zhuh rest ah vo-truh dee-spo-zee-syon poor toot kess-tyon

I am available for any questions.

💬 Direct yet polite, offering further assistance.

🇫🇷 Reflects a cultural emphasis on service and willingness to help.

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