Ending an email in French, especially informally, requires a bit of finesse. Getting it right shows respect for the recipient and reflects well on you. This guide provides tips and techniques to help you master those all-important final lines.
Choosing the Right Closing: Context is Key
The best closing depends heavily on your relationship with the recipient. Are you emailing a close friend, a colleague, or a new acquaintance? The level of formality should be reflected in your choice.
For Close Friends and Family:
Bisous(kisses): This is very affectionate and suitable only for those you know very well.Gros bisous(big kisses): Even more affectionate than "bisous."À bientôt(see you soon): Suggests a future interaction.À plus(see you later): A very informal and casual option.À très vite(see you very soon): Implies a quick reunion.
For Colleagues and Acquaintances:
Cordialement(Sincerely): A polite and widely acceptable option for most informal situations.Meilleures salutations(Best regards): Slightly more formal than "Cordialement," but still appropriate for many informal contexts.Salutations distinguées(Distinguished greetings): While technically not informal, it’s a less stiff alternative to "Cordialement" for those wanting something in between formal and informal.Amitiés(Warmly): Conveys friendliness and is suitable for colleagues you're somewhat familiar with.
Avoiding Potential Faux Pas:
- Avoid overly formal closings: In informal emails, steer clear of overly formal options like "Respectueusement" (Respectfully) or "Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées" (Please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my distinguished greetings). These feel out of place in a casual email.
- Consider your tone throughout: The closing should match the overall tone of the email. If your email is playful, a more casual closing works well. A more serious email might call for a slightly more formal (yet still informal) closing.
Beyond the Closing: Crafting the Perfect Informal Email
While the closing is important, remember that the entire email should maintain an informal tone. This means:
- Using contractions: Feel free to use contractions like
j'ai(I have),c'est(it is), andqu'est-ce que(what is). - Using informal vocabulary: Depending on your audience, using slang or informal vocabulary might be appropriate. However, always err on the side of caution if you are unsure.
- Keeping it concise: Informal emails are typically shorter and more direct than formal ones. Get to the point and avoid unnecessary jargon.
Mastering Informal French Email Closings: Practice Makes Perfect!
The key to mastering informal French email closings is practice. The more you write emails in French, the better you will become at choosing the right closing for each situation. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what feels natural to you while remaining respectful of your recipient. Remember to always consider your relationship with the recipient and the overall tone of your email when choosing your closing. With a little practice, you'll be crafting perfect informal French emails in no time!
