Writing Letters in French

Letter writing in FrenchThe following advice about writing letters in French is not exhaustive, but should be regarded as information which will make your letters more "French" and very importantly may avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Being familiar with some of the conventions of French letter writing will also be of interest when you receive letters in French or English from French native speakers.

Laying out the letter

In formal letters if you are writing on a plain sheet of paper, it is normal to write your name, without title, above your address at the top of the page, on the left-hand side of the sheet. When writing your own address at the top of the letter, it is of course quite correct to place commas at the ends of lines, if you wish. However, when writing the address of your French addressee in a formal letter or on the envelope, it is worth remembering that end-of-line punctuation is not the norm in France and may even be regarded as a mistake or something which may cause a letter to be misdirected.

The addressee’s name and address should be inserted below your address on the right-hand side of the sheet. In a letter to someone with a title, in a business for instance, the title is placed after the addressee’s full name.

The full forms should always be used. Abbreviations can be used on the envelope if the full form doesn’t fit ( M. for Monsieur ; Mme for Madame and Mlle for Mademoiselle ). Note that the full stop is only used after M .

The date comes after the addressee’s name and is usually also on the right-hand side of the sheet.

When writing an informal letter it is customary not to include either your own or the addressee’s address. In this type of letter, people often write the name of the place they are in, followed by the date at the top of the page. The place is the town, city, village or other recognizable location.

Bordeaux, le 12 juillet 2002

In writing the date, the day number is preceded by le. Note also that in French, unlike in English, names of the month are not capitalized. The convention is to write dates: day-month-year. More informally you can write this information in numerals: 12-07-02.

Greetings

In formal letters whether you know the name of the person you are writing to or not:

To a man: Monsieur , To a woman: Madame , Mademoiselle ,

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When you don’t know if your letter will be read by a man or a woman: Madame, Monsieur, Messieurs,

To a lawyer: Maître,

This opening appears on the left-hand side. Note the use of the comma, which is obligatory. Note: when writing to a woman and when in doubt about her marital status, it is always better to use Madame rather than Mademoiselle.

For official certificates, such as attestations of employment, the opening usually is: À qui de droit (to whom it may concern).

In slightly less formal letters if you know the name of the addressee, you can also write:

Cher monsieur Dupont,Chère madame Durand,which is slightly less formal.

In a business letter when you have established a good relationship with the addressee, cher/chère followed by the addressee’s given name is appropriate:

Cher Antoine,Chère Elisa,

In informal letters or when you know the addressee well, an opening following cher/chère or mon cher/ma chère is appropriate:

Cher Matthieu,Chère Béatrice,Chers Béatrice et Matthieu,Chers tous,Ma chère Béatrice,Mon cher Papa,

Closing the Letter

If you read correspondence manuals in French you will probably be surprised at how many potential letter endings there are for formal correspondence. Modern practice is to use a limited number of endings and to keep them shorter and less formal than was formerly the case. The following are should be adequate for most situations.

Formal endings:

In formal letters, the form of address chosen for the opening formula should be reflected in the closing formula, i.e. if you’ve started your letter with Madame, it should end with something like: Veuillez agréer, Madame, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées. All of the examples below should be immediately followed by your signature.

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Dans l’attente de vous lire, je vous prie d’agréer, Messieurs, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués. Pending you read, please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highestJe vous adresse, Madame, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées. I wish you, Madam, Yours sincerelyJe vous prie de croire, Madame, en nos sentiments dévoués. I beg you to believe, Madame, we feel committed

Less formal endings:

Salutations distinguées.

Cordialement,

In friendly personal letters, the following are often used:

Amicalement,Bien à vous,A bientôt,Avec toute mon affection,Grosses bises,

In letters to family members, endings are obviously freer, but some typical ones are:

Grosses bises,Affectueusement,Je t’embrasse très fort,Bisous,

Addressing the envelope

The address should be carefully written taking account of the comments about laying out the letter made above. If you want to include your return address on the envelope, this should be written on the back of the envelope after the word: Exp. (short for Expéditeur/-trice). An example would be along the lines of:

Exp.: Mary O’Reilly, 867 Fifth Avenue, New York NY10022, USA.

Street names

The full street name is often abbreviated in correspondence, especially on the envelope. For example,Avenue can be written Av. and Boulevard Bd. e.g. 180 Av. du G al Leclerc (180 Avenue du Général Leclerc)

The format and content of letters in France are somewhat different than in English

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Address

The position of the sender's address and recipient's address is different from the English norm (in fact, the exact reverse of the positions used in most English speaking countries). Your name and address should be in the top-left corner and the recipient's name and address should be underneath on the right hand side. In the case of pre-printed stationary or business stationary this rule is not always followed, but these positions are the norm for letters on a plain sheet of paper. Normally the addresses will not have commas at the ends of lines.

David Smith10, Rue du Peupliers39000 Lons-le-Saunier

Monsieur Pierre Dubois3, Place de Indépendence

72147 Arbois

17-7-2005

Monsieur Dubois,

<Here you would have the body of the letter>

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués,

David Smith

Your name should be without title (David Smith, not Mr. David Smith). However, the person you are addressing the letter to should have his title (Monsieur Pierre Dubois, or in the case of certain professions Maître Pierre Dubois). The full title of the addressee should be used (Monsieur Pierre Dubois, not M. Pierre Dubois) on the letter, although abbreviations are acceptable on the envelope if there is insufficient room.

If the addressee has a title (in a business for instance), this should be placed on the line after his full name.

David Smith10, Rue du Peupliers39000 Lons-le-Saunier

Monsieur Pierre DuboisDirector d'agence

Banque Agricole3, Place de Indépendence

72147 Arbois

Le 17 juillet 2005

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Monsieur,

<Here you would have the body of the letter>

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués,

David Smith

In some cases, the sender's name will be reversed and have the surname in capitals (SMITH David rather than David Smith). Note that in this case (unlike the English norm) there is no comma between the surname and the first name (SMITH David rather than SMITH, David).

Date

The date comes after the recipient's address, also on the right-hand side of the page. The day is preceded by "Le" and the names of months are not capitalized. In less formal letters the date can be written as numerals; in this case it is in the format day-month-year rather than month-day-year (see

Salutation( Greeting)

The greetings appear on the left side (as in English letters) and are as follows:

to a man: Monsieur to a woman: Madame (if married) or Mademoiselle (if very young and

unmarried) if you don't know if it is a man or a woman: Madame, Monsieur, Messieurs for certain professions (e.g. lawyer, notaire): Maître for certain official certificates: À qui de droit (to whom it may concern)

The use of a person's name is normally reserved for less formal letters (e.g. Cher Monsieur Dubois or Chère Madame Dubois). Between friends and family one would use first names (e.g. Cher Pierre).

In all cases, the greeting is followed by a comma. See Sample letter 1 and Sample letter 2.

Closings

The letter closing is perhaps the most (or even only) complex part of a French letter. As this is a fairly substantial topic on it's own, a dedicated page is provided at Letter closings.

French letter Closings

In English correspondence there are a relatively small number of closings (yours truly, yours sincerely, etc.). In French there is a great variety and in formal letters they are generally elaborate; this is perhaps the most difficult area of writing a French letter as one must take into account social conventions rather than simply

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http://www.france-property-and-information.com/Letter%20closings.htm

http://www.france-property-and-information.com/sample_letter_2.htm

http://www.france-property-and-information.com/sample_letter.htm

do a literal translation. Fortunately, the closings all follow the same format, consisting of four parts. The four parts can be roughly translated as the following (I've added the colours to distinguish between the four parts):

<I hope you accept> <recipient's title> <the expression/assurance of> <my respect>

Following are some example closings, again with colours to show the four parts:

Veuillez agréer, Madame, l'assurance de mes sentiments distingués /Accept, Madam, the assurances of my highest

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués/

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest

Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame et Monsieur, l'expression de mes respectueuses salutations /Please accept, Madam and Sir, the assurances of my respectful greetings

In more detail, these four parts are:

A request that you agree or accept the following good wishes. For example: Je vous prie d'agréer (roughly translates to "I pray that you agree")

The title (e.g. Monsieur) of the person you are writing to. This should match with the opening so if you opened with Monsieur you should also close with Monsieur, if you opened with Messieurs you should then close with Messieurs, and so on.

The expression or assurance of the following statement. A respectful statement.

Options for Closing a French Letter-

The following table shows various options for the first, third and fourth part of the closings as described above. The second part, as noted above, is merely the person's title. This should replace the '...' shown in the first column.

For each of the three columns, the phrases are listed from the most formal to the most informal. Consequently, for a close friendship one would normally chose a phrase near the bottom of the column whereas for a formal letter a phrase near the top would be more appropriate. In years past, the phrases near the top of each column were more commonly used. However, a gradual decrease in formality has resulted in this becoming somewhat less common.

RequestAssurance/

expression ofRespectful statement

Notes

Je vous prie d'agréer,...,

l'assurance dema considération distinguée

3

6

Je vous prie d'accepter,...,

l'expression demes sentiments respecteux

1

Je vous prie de croire,..., à

mes sentiments dévoués

1,5

Veuillez agréer,...,

mes sincères salutations

Veuillez croire,..., à

mes respectueux hommages

2,3

Agréer,..., mes salutations distinguées

Croyez,..., à mes sentiments distingués

1

mes cordiales salutations

4

mes sentiments les meilleurs

1,4

mon meilleur souvenir

4

mon bon sourvenir 4

mon fidèle souvenir 4

The following notes are applicable only to the third column of this table (respectful statement):

1. This phrase should normally not be used when a man is writing to a woman. It is OK for a man writing to a man or a woman writing to a man. This restriction is due to the fact that the word "sentiments", when used from a man to a woman, can also mean romantic feelings. Consequently, unless one has a recognised romantic relationship, it is generally not done for a man to use these phrases when writing to a woman. Having said that, even among the French this restriction is often not followed.

2. This phrase is normally not used by a woman writing to a man. Same issue as above, except in reverse.

3. Some people would consider these phrases pompous. In modern French culture, these would normally be used when writing to someone with a formal and important social role (e.g. the mayor of Paris).

4. These phrases, at the bottom of the column, are the most informal. They would normally be used where there were friendly relations and not in the more formal letters.

5. This phrase is often used when writing to one's boss or a client. The term 'dévoués' translates to 'devoted', confirming one's devotion to work or the client's requirements.

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One can make the closing less formal by omitting the phrase in the second column (l'assurance de, l'expression de). If this is done, the 'à' in the first column must also be deleted.

The examples in the above table are written in the first person singular (i.e. a letter from yourself as an individual). If you are writing on behalf of a group or a company, you will likely want to change these expressions to the plural. This is done by:

Replacing 'je' by 'nous' in the first column (only necessary for the first 3 items, the remaining four don not need changes).

Replacing 'ma', 'mes', and 'mon' by the corresponding plural form Changing all verb conjugations to the plural.

Less Formal Closings & Intimate Closings-

In less formal letters, there are also a great variety of possible simpler and more intimate closings. For example: Salutations distinguées, Cordialement or Amicalement. With family or close friends possible closings include: Grosses bises, Affectueusement, Je t'embrasse.

EMAILs often have informal closings (e.g. 'Cordialement'), unless the subject of the EMAIL itself is formal. This appears to be related to the general trend to less formality in terms of salutations and closings.

Pre-closings-

The closing is often preceded by a phrase, typically asking you to do something or thanking you for having done something. It is simply placed in front of the closing. For example, instead of "Veuillez agréer, Madame, l'assurance de mes sentiments distingués" one could write "Dans l'attente de votre réponse, veuillez agréer, Madame, l'assurance de mes sentiments distingués". Following are some typical examples:

Phrase Rough meaning

Dans l'attente de votre réponse... While waiting for your response...

Comptant sur une prompte réponse...

Counting on a prompt response...

Avec mes remerciements... With my thanks...

Dans l'attente de vous lire... While waiting to hear from you...

Vous remerciant par avance... Thanking you in advance...

Envelope

The return address is frequently put on the back of the envelope, under Expediteur (French for 'sender'). If put on the front, it is normal practice to

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make an 'x' over the address. The post office claims that if this is not done, the sending address and return address may be confused by their staff.

French Phrases: How to write a letter

Objet...-Re...

Pièces jointes / P.J.-Enclosed / Encl

Nous vous remercions de...-Thank you for......

votre commande-...your order...

votre lettre du 10 janvier-...your letter of 10 January

Veuillez...-Please......trouver ci-joint-...find enclosed/attached...

nous faire parvenir-...send us...nous excuser de-...accept our apologies for

Suite à notre conversation-Following our conversation

Suite à votre annonce dans...-Following your advertisement in...

Nous vous serions reconnaissants de nous faire parvenir...-We would be grateful if you could send us...

N'hésitez pas à me/nous contacter...-Do not hesitate to contact me/us......

le cas échéant-...if need be...si vous avez besoin de...-...if you need......

plus amples renseignements-...further information

Dans l'attente de votre réponse-I/we look forward to hearing from you

"Dans l'attente"-"look forward to hearing" (shortened form sometimes used in semi-informal correspondence)

Letter openings

In informal letters, the word cher (feminine chère) is used in a similar way to English Dear. In more formal letters, the word Monsieur etc tends to stand on its own (though Cher Monsieur etc is possible).

Cher Michel - Dear Michel (male form)

Chère Michelle - Dear Michelle (female form)

Chers Michel et - Dear Michel and Danielle

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DanielleSalut Daniel! - Hi Daniel!

Bonjour (à tous)! - Hello (all)! (Used in e-mails)

Coucou! -Hi there! (Very informal; suitable for an informal e-mail between friends)

Recoucou! -Hi again! (Very informal; suitable for an informal e-mail between friends)

Chers Collègues - Dear Colleagues

Monsieur - Dear Sir

Madame - Dear Madame

Messieurs - Dear Sirs

Monsieur le Directeur

- Dear Sir (writing to a director, CEO etc)

Monsieur le Maire/Proviseur

- Dear Mayor/Headmaster

Closures: informal

Closures to informal letters are less formulaic than formal or business letters, so there are a variety of possibilities. Here are some common ones:

Je t'embrasse - Big hugs

Amicalement - Best wishes (used between friends)

Affectueusement...

- Love from...

(Grosses) bises - =(big) hugs

Gros bisous - Love (and kisses)

Bisouxx -Kisses (humorous variant used in e-mail and text messages)

Closures: formal

Traditionally, French business correspondence ends with one of various silly long-winded formulae, although particularly in the case of e-mail correspondence, these are starting to go out the window. A common favourite for closing a semi-formal business e-mail is cordialement.

Veuillez recevoir, Monsieur/Madame, nos salutations distingués.

- =Yours sincerely

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

-=Yours sincerely, when writing to a superior

Veuillez agréer, - =Yours sincerely, when writing to

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Monsieur/Madame, l'assurance de notre parfaite considération.

somebody of a lower grade

Je vous prie de croire, Monsieur/Madame, à l'assurance de mes salutations distinguées

-=Yours faithfully/sincerely, used especially when writing to a person in an important position

Cordialement - Regards

Phrases: Personal | Letter (English-French)

ENGLISH FRENCH DESCRIPTION

Letter : Address

Mr. N. Summerbee335 Main StreetNew York NY 92926

Jean Dupont18 rue des acacias75500 PARIS.

Standard English Address format:name of recipientstreet number + street namename of town + region/state + zip/postal code.

Jeremy Rhodes212 Silverback DriveCalifornia Springs CA 92926

Mr. J. Rhodes212 Silverback DriveCalifornia Springs CA 92926

American address format:Name of recipientStreet number + street nameName of town + state abbreviation + zip code

Adam Smith8 Crossfield RoadSelly OakBirminghamWest MidlandsB29 1WQ


British and Irish address format:Name of recipientNumber + street nameTown/city nameCountyPostal code

Sally Davies155 Mountain RiseAntogonish NS B2G 5T8

Patrice Clerc44 rue des océansMONTREAL G3Z 2E1

Canadian address format:Name of recipientStreet number + street nameName of town + province abbreviation + postal code

Celia Jones Jacques Durand Australian address

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47 Herbert StreetFloreatPerth WA 6018

rue des fleurs 251000 BRUXELLES.

format:Name of recipientStreet number + street nameName of provinceTown/city name + postal code

Alex Marshall745 King StreetWest End, Wellington 0680

Stephane Rolex50 rue des arbres1500 GENÈVE.

New Zealand address format:Name of recipientNumber + street nameSuburb/RD number/PO boxTown/city + postal code

Letter: Opening

Dear John, Cher Jacques,Informal, standard way of addressing a friend

Dear Mum / Dad,Chère Maman / Cher Papa,

Informal, standard way of addressing your parents

Dear Uncle Jerome, Cher Oncle Jean,

Informal, standard way of addressing a member of your family

Hello John, Salut Jean,Informal, standard way of addressing a friend

Hey John, Coucou Jean,Very informal, standard way of addressing a friend

John, Jean,Informal, direct way of addressing a friend

My Dear, Mon chéri / Ma chérie,Very informal, used when addressing a loved one

My Dearest,Mon cher/ ma chère et tendre

Very informal, used when addressing a partner

Dearest John, Mon Jean d'amour,Informal, used when addressing a partner

Thank you for your letter. Merci pour votre lettre.Used when replying to correspondence

It was good to hear from Cela m'a fait plaisir Used when replying

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you again. d'avoir des nouvelles. to correspondence

I am very sorry I haven't written for so long.

Je suis désolé de ne pas t'avoir écrit depuis si longtemps.

Used when writing to an old friend you haven't contacted for a while

It's such a long time since we had any contact.

Cela fait trop longtemps que l'on ne s'est pas contacté.

Used when writing to an old friend you haven't contacted for a long time

Letter : Main BodyI am writing to tell you that…

Je t'écris pour te dire que...

Used when you have important news

Have you made any plans for…?

As-tu des plans pour...?

Used when you want to invite someone to an event or meet up with them

Many thanks for sending / inviting / enclosing…

Merci pour l'invitation.........

Used when thanking someone for sending something / inviting someone somewhere / enclosing some information

I am very grateful to you for letting me know / offering me / writing to me…

Je te suis très reconnaissant de m'avoir dit /offert / écrit...

Used when sincerely thanking someone for telling you something / offering you something / writing to you regarding something

It was so kind of you to write / invite me / send me…

Ce fut très aimable de ta part de m'écrire / m' inviter / m' envoyer...

Used when you sincerely appreciate something someone wrote to you / invited you to / sent you

I am delighted to announce that…

J'ai la joie de vous annoncer que...

Used when announcing good news to friends

I was delighted to hear that…

J'ai eu la joie d'apprendre que...

Used when relaying a message or news

I am sorry to inform you that…

J'ai le regret de vous informer que...

Used when announcing bad news to friends

I was so sorry to hear that…

Je fus désolé d'apprendre que...

Used when comforting a friend regarding bad news that they had

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Letter: Closing

Give my love to…and tell them how much I miss them.

Transmets mon amour à...et dis lui qu'il / elle me manque.

Used when you want to tell someone you miss them via the recipient of the letter

…sends his / her love. ...envoie ses salutations.Used when adding someone else's regards to a letter

Say hello to…for me. Dis bonjour à...de ma part.

Used when wanting to acknowledge someone else via the person to whom you are writing

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Dans l'attente d'une lettre de ta part...

Used when you want to receive a letter in reply

Write back soon. Écris-moi vite.Direct, used when you want to receive a letter in reply

Do write back when… Écris-moi quand...

Used when you want the recipient to reply only when they have news of something

Send me news, when you know anything more.

Envoie-moi des nouvelles quand tu en sauras plus.


Take care. Prends soin de toi.Used when writing to family and friends

I love you. Je t'aime.Used when writing to your partner

Best wishes, Tous mes voeux,Informal, used between family, friends or colleagues

With best wishes, Meilleurs voeux,Informal, used when writing to family or friends

Kindest regards, Meilleures salutations,Informal, used when writing to family or friends

All the best, Bonne chance,Informal, used when writing to family or friends

All my love,Je t'envoie tout mon amour,

Informal, used when writing to family or friends

Lots of love, Mes amours, Informal, used when

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writing to family

Much love, Mes amours,Informal, used when writing to family

Phrases: Personal | E-Mail (English-French)


E-Mail : Opening

Dear John, Cher Jacques,Informal, standard way of addressing a friend

Dear Mum / Dad, Chère Maman / Cher Papa,Informal, standard way of addressing your parents

Dear Uncle Jerome, Cher Oncle Jean,

Informal, standard way of addressing a member of your family

Hello John, Salut Jean,Informal, standard way of addressing a friend

Hey John, Coucou Jean,Very informal, standard way of addressing a friend

John, Jean,Informal, direct way of addressing a friend

My Dear, Mon chéri / Ma chérie,Very informal, used when addressing a loved one

My Dearest,Mon cher/ ma chère et tendre


Dearest John, Mon cher Jean,Informal, used when addressing a partner

Thank you for your E-mail. Merci pour votre courriel.Used when replying to correspondence

It was good to hear from you again.

Cela m'a fait plaisir d'avoir des nouvelles.

Used when replying to correspondence







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E-Mail: Main Body

I am writing to tell you that…

Je t'écris pour te dire que...

Used when you have important news


As-tu des plans pour...?

Used when you want to invite someone to an event or meet up with them




I am very grateful to you for letting me know / offering / writing…


Used when sincerely thanking someone for telling you something / offering you something / writing to you regarding something

It was so kind of you to write / invite / send…

Ce fut très aimable de ta part de m'écrire / inviter / envoyer...











I was so sorry to hear that…

Je fus désolé d'apprendre que...


I'd appreciate it if you would check out my new website at…

J'apprécierais si tu pouvais faire un tour sur mon nouveau site internet...

Used when wanting a friend to see your new website

Please add me on...messenger. My username is…

Ajoute-moi sur...s'il te plaît. Mon pseudo c'est...

Used when wanting a friend to add you on an instant messenger service, so that you can communicate more

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often

E-Mail: Closing




…sends his/her love. ...envoie ses salutations.Used when adding someone else's regards to a letter





Used when you want to recieve a letter in reply

Write back soon. Écris-moi vite.Direct, used when you want to receive a letter in reply

Do write back when… Écris-moi quand...





Take care. Prends soin de toi.Used when writing to family and friends

I love you. Je t'aime.Used when writing to your partner

Best wishes, Tous mes voeux,Informal, used between family, friends or colleagues

With best wishes, Meilleurs voeux,Informal, used when writing to family or friends

Kindest regards, Meilleures salutations,Informal, used when writing to family or friends

All the best, Bonne chance,Informal, used when writing to family or friends

All my love, Je t'envoie tout mon amour,

Informal, used when writing to family or

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friends

Lots of love, Mes amours,Informal, used when writing to family

Much love, Mes amours,Informal, used when writing to family

Personal | Announcements and Invitations (English-French)


Announcements and Invitations: Birth

We are happy to announce the birth of…

Nous sommes heureux de vous annoncer la naissance de...

Used when a couple want to announce the birth of their child

I'm happy to tell you that…now have a little son/daughter.

Je suis ravi de vous annoncer que...ont désormais un petit garçon / une petite fille.

Used when a third party is announcing the birth of a child

We would like to announce the birth of our new baby boy/girl.

Nous souhaitons vous annoncer la naissance de notre petit garçon / petite fille.


We are delighted to introduce you to...our new son/daughter.

Nous avons le bonheur de vous présenter... notre petit garçon / petite fille.

Used when a couple want to announce the birth of their child, usually found on cards with a picture of the child

Ten little fingers, ten little toes, and with these new digits our family grows. … and … are delighted to announce the birth of…

(prénom du bébé), le... à...heures.Depuis neuf mois, ils ne parlent que de moi. Maintenant, ils risquent de m'entendre.

A common saying in English, used when a couple want to announce the birth of their child

With love and hope we welcome…to the world.

Nous accueuillons...avec beaucoup d'amour et d'espoir.


We're proud to introduce/announce the newest member of our family…

Nous sommes fiers de vous annoncer l'arrivée de...dans notre famille.


We are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our son/daughter.

Nous avons l'immense plaisir de vous annoncer l'arrivée de notre fils /

Used when a couple want to announce the birth of their

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fille... child

Announcements and Invitations: Engagement

…and…are engaged. ... et...sont fiancés.Used when announcing an engagement

…are happy to announce their engagement.

...sont heureux de vous annoncer leurs fiançailles.

Used when a couple want to announce their engagement

We are happy to announce the engagement of…and…

Nous sommes heureux de vous annoncer les fiançailles de...et...

Used when announcing an engagement

Mr and Mrs...of ..., announce the engagement of their daughter, ..., to ..., son of Mr and Mrs..., (also) of… . An August wedding is planned.

Mr et Mme...de...annoncent les fiançailles de leur fille, ..., avec ..., fils de Mr et Mme...de... Le mariage est prévu pour août.

Traditional, used when parents want to announce the engagment of their daughter

Come and join us at a party for…and…to celebrate their engagement.

Venez nous rejoindre à une soirée pour...et...qui fêtent leurs fiançailles.

Used as in an invitation to an engagement party

You are cordially invited to … and … engagement party on…

Vous êtes cordialement invités aux fiançailles de...et...

Used as in an invitation to an engagement party

Announcements and Invitations: Marriage

We are happy to announce the wedding/marriage of…and…

Nous sommes heureux de vous annoncer le mariage de...et...

Used when announcing a marriage

Miss…is soon to become Mrs. ...

Mademoiselle...va bientôt devenir Madame....

Used when announcing the marriage of a woman

Miss…and Mr…kindly request your presence at their wedding. You are welcome to come and enjoy the special day with them.

Mademoiselle...et monsieur...vous invitent cordialement à leur mariage. Vous êtes les bienvenus pour partager cete journée spéciale avec eux.

Used by the couple when inviting people to their wedding

Mr and Mrs…request your presence at the marriage of their son/daughter on…at…

Mr et Mme... vous invitent au mariage de leur fils / filles le...à...

Used by the parents of the man/woman who is getting married to invite people to the

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weddingBecause you have been very important in their lives, …and…request your presence at their wedding on…at…

Parce que vous avez une place très importante dans nos vies, ...et... vous prient d'assister à leur mariage le...à...

Used by the couple when inviting close friends to their wedding

Announcements and Invitations: Gatherings / Special Events

We would be delighted if you would join us on..at…for…

Nous serions ravis que vous puissiez nous joindre le...à...pour...

Used to invite people to a social occasion on a specific day, at a specific time and for a specific reason

We request the pleasure of your company at a dinner to celebrate…

Nous avons l'honneur de solliciter votre présence à un dîner afin de fêter...

Used to invite people to a dinner party and to give the reason why

You are cordially invited to…

Vous êtes cordialement invités à...

Formal, used to invite people to a formal event. Commonly used for company dinner parties

We are having a party amongst friends to celebrate…and we would be very glad if you could come.

Nous organisons une fête entre amis pour célébrer...et nous serions ravis que vous puissiez venir.

Formal, used to invite close friends to an important social occasion

We would very much like you to come.

Nous serions vraiment heureux que tu viennes.

Used in an invitation after having asked the recipient to come, in order to emphasize that you would like them to be present

Would you like to come to…for…?

Ça vous dirait de venir à...pour...?

Informal, used to invite friends round for no other purpose then to see them

Phrases: Personal | Best Wishes (English-French)


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Best Wishes: Marriage

Congratulations. Wishing the both of you all the happiness in the world.

Félicitations. Nous vous souhaitons à tous les deux tout le bonheur du monde.

Used when congratulating a recently-married couple

Congratulations and warm wishes to both of you on your wedding day.

Félicitations et meilleurs voeux à vous deux pour votre mariage.


Congratulations on tying the knot!

Félicitations à vous deux!

Informal, used when congratulating a recently married-couple that you know quite well

Congratulations on saying your "I do's"!

Félicitations pour vous être dit "oui"!

Informal, used when congratulating a recently married-couple that you know quite well

Congratulations to the bride and groom on their happy union.

Félicitations aux jeunes mariés pour leur union.


Best Wishes: Engagement

Congratulations on your engagement!

Félicitations pour tes fiançailles!

Standard phrase used to congratulate someone on their engagement

Wishing both of you all the best on your engagement and everything lies ahead.

Je vous souhaite le meilleur pour vos fiançailles et tout ce qui vous attend.

Used when congratulating a recently engaged-couple

Congratulations on your engagement. I hope you will both be very happy together.

Félicitations pour vos fiançailles. J'espère que vous serez très heureux ensemble.


Congratulations on your engagement. I hope you will make each other extremely happy.

Félicitations pour vos fiançailles. J'espère que vous vous rendrez extrêmement heureux l'un l'autre.


Congratulations on your engagement. Have you decided upon big day yet?

Félicitations pour vos fiançailles. Avez-vous déjà fixer la date du gand jour?

Used when congratulating a recently engaged-couple who you know well, and to

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ask when the wedding will take place

Best Wishes: Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthday greetings! Bon anniversaire!

General birthday wish, commonly found on birthday cards

Happy Birthday! Joyeux anniversaire!


Many happy returns!Que tu jouisses encore de nombreuses années!


Wishing you every happiness on your special day.

Je te souhaite plein de bonheur en cette journée spéciale.


May all your wishes come true. Happy Birthday!

Que tous tes désirs se réalisent. Joyeux anniversaire!


Wishing you every happiness this special day brings. Have a wonderful birthday!

Je te souhaite tout plein de bonheur en cette journée particulière. Passe une merveilleuse journée!


Happy Anniversary! Joyeux anniversaire!

General anniversary wish, commonly found on anniversary cards

Happy…Anniversary!Joyeux ...(ème) anniversaire de mariage!

Anniversary wish used when celebrating a specific anniversary (e.g. 25th silver anniversary, 40th ruby anniversary)

…years and still going strong. Have a great Anniversary!

...années et toujours ensemble. Bon anniversaire!

Used to emphasize the length of marriage and wish a happy anniversary

Congratulations on your Porcelain Wedding Anniversary!

Félicitations pour vos noces de Porcelaine!

Used to celebrate a 20th wedding anniversary

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Congratulations on your Silver Wedding Anniversary!

Félicitations pour vos noces d'Argent!


Congratulations on your Ruby Wedding Anniversary!

Félicitations pour vos noces d'Émeraude!


Congratulations on your Pearl Wedding Anniversary!

Félicitations pour vos noces de Perle!


Congratulations on your Coral Wedding Anniversary!

Félicitations pour vos noces de Rubis!


Congratulations on your Gold Wedding Anniversary!

Félicitations pour vos noces d'Or!


Congratulations on your Diamond Wedding Anniversary!

Félicitations pour vos noces de Diamant!


Best Wishes: Get well Wishes

Get well soon. Prompt rétablissement.Standard get well wish, commonly found on cards

I hope you make a swift and speedy recovery.

Rétablis-toi vite.Standard get well wish

We hope that you will be up and about in no time.

Nous espérons que tu seras rétabli en peu de temps.

Standard get well wish from more than one person

Thinking of you. May you feel better soon.

Je pense à toi et espère que tu te sentiras mieux bientôt.

Standard get well wish

From everybody at…, get well soon.

De la part de tout le monde à..., prompt rétablissement.

Get well wish from several people in an office or place of work

Get well soon. Everybody at…sends their love.

Rétablis-toi vite. Toute le monde à... t'envoit ses amitiés.

Get well wish from several people in an office or place of work

Best Wishes: General Congratulations

Congratulations on… Félicitations pour...Standard congratulation sentence

I wish you the best of luck and every success in…

Je te souhaite bonne chance et tout le succès

Used when wishing someone success in

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que tu mérites dans... the future

I wish you every success in…

Je te souhaite tout le succès possible dans...

Used when wishing someone success in the future

We would like to send you our congratulations on…

Nous voudrions te féliciter pour...

Used when congratulating someone for doing a specific thing

Well done on… Bien joué pour...

Used when congratulating someone for doing a specific thing, less congratulatory

Congratulations on passing your driving test!

Félicitations pour ton permis de conduire!

Used when congratulating someone on passing their driving test

Well done. We knew you could do it.

Bien joué. Nous savions que tu pouvais le faire.

Used when congratulating someone, usually a close friend or member of the family

Congrats! Congrats! (Félicitations!)

Informal, relatively uncommon, shorthand for congratulations and used when congratulating someone

Best Wishes : Academic Achievements

Congratulations on your graduation!

Félicitations pour ton diplôme!

Used when congratulating someone for graduating from university

Congratulations on passing your exams!

Félicitations pour tes examens!

Used when congratulating someone for passing their school exams

Who's a clever bunny then? Well done on acing your exam!

Dis donc tu es une vraie lumière! Bien joué pour les examens!

Informal colloquial phrase, used when someone you know well does exceedingly well on an exam

Congratulations on getting your Masters and good

Félicitations pour l'obtention de ton Master

Used when congratulating

24

luck in the world of work.et bonne chance dans le monde du travail.

someone for completing their master's degree and wishing them luck in the future

Well done on your great exam results and all the best for the future.

Bien joué pour les examens et bonne chance pour le futur.

Used when congratulating someone for passing their school exams, but when unsure whether they plan to go to university or get a job

Congratulations on your exam results. Wishing you all the best for your future career.

Félicitations pour tes examens et bonne chance dans ta future carrière professionnelle.

Used when congratulating someone for passing their school exams, and who you know is looking to get a job

Well done on getting into University. Have a great time!

Bien joué pour ta place à l'université. Profites-en bien!

Used when congratulating someone on getting a place at university

Best Wishes : Condolences

We are all deeply shocked to hear of the sudden death of…and we would like to offer our deepest sympathy.

Nous sommes sous le choc de la nouvelle de la mort soudaine de...et nous voudrions vous offrir toute notre compassion.

Used when consoling someone on the death of someone close to them. The death could have been expected or unexpected

We are so very sorry to hear about your loss.

Nous sommes vraiment désolé d'apprendre la disparition de...

Used when consoling someone on the death of someone close to them

I offer you my deepest condolences on this dark day.

Je t'envoie mes condoléances les plus sincères en ce jour noir.


We were disturbed and saddened by the untimely death of your son/daughter/husband/wife, … .

Nous avons été boulversés par le décès prématuré de votre fils / fille / époux/ épouse, ...

Used when consoling someone on the death of their son/daughter/husband/wife (includes the name of the deceased)

Please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences at this most

Veuillez accepter nos condoléances les plus attristées en ce moment

Used when consoling someone on the death of someone close to

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challenging time. des plus difficiles. them

Our thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time of loss.

Nos pensées sont avec vous et votre famille en ce moment difficile que représent la disparition d'un être cher.


Best Wishes : Career Achievements

We wish you the best of luck in your new job at…

Nous te souhaitons bonne chance dans ton nouveau travail chez...

Used when wishing someone success in a new job

From all at…, we wish you the best of luck in your new job.

De notre part à touche chez..., nous te souhaitons bonne chance dans ton nouveau travail.

Used when old colleagues wish someone success in a new job

We wish you the best of luck in your new position of…

Nous te souhaitons bonne chance dans ton nouveaau poste en tant que...

Used when old colleagues wish someone success in a new job position

We wish you every success for your latest career move.

Nous te souhaitons beaucoup de succès dans ton nouveau défi professionnel

Used when old colleagues wish someone success in a new job

Congratulations on getting the job!

Félicitations pour le nouveau job!

Used when congratulating someone on getting a new, usually lucrative, job

Good luck on your first day at…

Bonne chance pour ta première journée chez...

Used when wishing someone a good first day at a new job

Best Wishes : Birth

We were delighted to hear of the birth of your new baby boy/girl. Congratulations.

Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre la naissance de votre petit garçon / petite fille.

Used to congratulate a couple on the birth of their child

Congratulations on your new arrival!

Félicitations pour la nouvelle arrivée dans votre famille!


For the new mother. Best wishes for you and your son/daughter.

Pour la nouvelle maman. Meilleurs voeux à toi et ton fils / ta fille.

Used to congratulate a woman on the birth of her child

Congratulations on the arrival of your new beautiful baby boy/girl!

Félicitations pour l'arrivée de votre petit garçon /petite fille!


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To the very proud parents of… . Congratulations on your new arrival. I'm sure you will make wonderful parents.

Aux très fiers parents de... Félicitations pour le nouveau venu / la nouvelle venue. Je suis sûr que vous ferez de très bons parents.


Best Wishes: Thanks

Many thanks for… Merci beaucoup pour...Used as a general thank you message

I would like to thank you on behalf of my husband/wife and myself…

Je voudrais te remercier de la part de mon époux / épouse et moi-même...

Used when thanking someone on behalf of yourself and someone else

I really don't know how to thank you for…

Je ne sais pas vraiment comment te remercier pour...

Used when you are very grateful to someone for doing something for you

As a small token of our gratitude…

Une petite preuve de notre gratitude...

Used when giving a gift to someone as a thank you

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to…for…

Nous voudrions vraiment remercier... du fond du coeur pour...

Used when you are grateful to someone for doing something for you

We are very grateful to you for…

Nous te sommes très reconnaissants pour...

Used when you want to thank someone sincerely for doing something for you

Don't mention it. On the contrary: we should be thanking you!

N'en parlons pas. Au contraire, nous devrions te remercier toi!

Used when someone thanks you for something, but what he / she did benefited you as well

Best Wishes : Season's Greetings

Season's greetings from…Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année de la part de...

Used in the US to celebrate Christmas and New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!

Used in the UK to celebrate Christmas and New Year

Happy Easter! Joyeuses Pâques!

Used in Christian countries to celebrate Easter Sunday

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Happy Thanksgiving! Joyeux Thanksgiving!Used in the US to celebrate Thanksgiving

Happy New Year! Bonne Année!Used to celebrate the New Year

Happy Holidays! Bonnes vacances!

Used in the US and Canada to celebrate holidays (especially used around Christmas/Hanukkah time)

Happy Hanukkah! Joyeux Hanukkah!Used to celebrate Hanukkah

Happy Diwali to you. May this Diwali be as bright as ever.

Joyeux Diwali. Que la lumière soit dans vos cœurs pour une année entière.

Used to celebrate Diwali

Merry Christmas! / Happy Christmas!

Joyeux Noël!Used in Christian countries to celebrate Christmas

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!

Used in Christian countries to celebrate Christmas and New Year

Phrases: Personal | SMS and Web (English-French)


SMS and Web : Short Codes

AIUI (as I understand it)AIUI: as I understand it (tel que je le comprends)

Used after explaining something from your point of view

ASL (age, sex, location?) ASV (âge, sexe, ville)

Used when instant messaging to find out a person's age, gender and location

ATM (at the moment)ATM: at the moment (en ce moment)

Used to mean right now

BBL (be back later) RB (reviens bientôt)

Used when you need to leave an instant message conversation for a while

BCNU (be seeing you)BCNU: be seeing you (au revoir)

Used when saying goodbye

BION (believe it or not) BION: believe it or not Used after

28

(Crois-moi si tu veux)mentioning something that is surprising

BRB (be right back)BRB: be right back (je reviens tout de suite)

Used when you need to leave an instant message conversation for a while

BYOB (bring your own beer)

BYOB: bring your own beer (Apporter votre bouteille)

Used on party invites to let people know they should bring their own alcohol

CU (see you) A+ (À plus tard)Used when saying goodbye

CUL (see you later) ++ (À plus tard)Used when saying goodbye

DIKU (do I know you?)DIKU:do I know you? (on se connait?)

Used when you don't recognise the person who has messaged you

EOM (end of message)EOM: end of message (fin du message)

Used as an automated response when a conversation or SMS message ends

FYI (for your information)FWI: for your information (pour ton information)

Used when telling someone something that is specific to them or when interjecting upon a preconceived idea someone has

G2G (got to go)G2G: got to go (je dois partir)

Used when something suddenly comes up and you have to leave the computer

IMO (in my opinion) AMA (à mon avis)Used when giving a personal opinion

IMHO (in my humble opinion)

AMHA (à mon humble avis)

Used when giving a personal opinion

IOU (I owe you)IOU: I owe you (je te le revaudrai)

Used when someone does something for you and you want to let them know that you owe them a favour

J/K (just kidding) j'dec (je déconne) Used after making a 29

joke, which is ambiguous whether or not it is serious

L8R (later) L8R: later (plus tard)

Used when saying goodbye or when you are not currently free to do something but will do it later on

LOL (laughing out loud) MDR (mort de rire)Used as a reaction when you find something funny

MYOB (mind your own business)

MYOB: mind your own business (occupe-toi de tes affaires)

Used when you want to keep something private

NRN (not right now)NRN: not right now (pas maintenant)

Used when you are not free to do something right away

RFD (request for discussion)

RFD: request for discussion (demande de discussion)

Used when you want to talk to someone about something

TB (text back) Rep (Réponds)Used at the end of an SMS when you want a reply

TBH (to be honest)TBH: to be honest (pour être honnête)

Used to explain or clarify your personal opinion on a subject

TIA (thanks in advance)TIA: thanks in advance (merci d'avance)

Used when thanking someone before they have helped you

THX (thanks) MCI / CI (merci)Used when thanking someone

TTYL (talk to you later) ATTL (à tout à l'heure)Used when saying goodbye

4U (for you) 4U: for you (pour toi)Used when sending something to a particular person

Phrases: Personal | Letter (English-French)


Letter: AddressMr. N. Summerbee335 Main StreetNew York NY 92926

Jean Dupont18 rue des acacias75500 PARIS.

Standard English Address format:name of recipientstreet number +

30

street namename of town + region/state + zip/postal code.

Jeremy Rhodes212 Silverback DriveCalifornia Springs CA 92926

Mr. J. Rhodes212 Silverback DriveCalifornia Springs CA 92926

American address format:Name of recipientStreet number + street nameName of town + state abbreviation + zip code



British and Irish address format:Name of recipientNumber + street nameTown/city nameCountyPostal code

Sally Davies155 Mountain RiseAntogonish NS B2G 5T8

Patrice Clerc44 rue des océansMONTREAL G3Z 2E1

Canadian address format:Name of recipientStreet number + street nameName of town + province abbreviation + postal code

Celia Jones47 Herbert StreetFloreatPerth WA 6018

Jacques Durandrue des fleurs 251000 BRUXELLES.

Australian address format:Name of recipientStreet number + street nameName of provinceTown/city name + postal code

Alex Marshall745 King StreetWest End, Wellington 0680

Stephane Rolex50 rue des arbres1500 GENÈVE.

New Zealand address format:Name of recipientNumber + street nameSuburb/RD number/PO boxTown/city + postal code

Letter : OpeningDear John, Cher Jacques, Informal, standard

way of addressing a friend

Dear Mum / Dad, Chère Maman / Cher Papa,

Informal, standard way of addressing

31

your parentsDear Uncle Jerome, Cher Oncle Jean, Informal, standard

way of addressing a member of your family

Hello John, Salut Jean, Informal, standard way of addressing a friend

Hey John, Coucou Jean, Very informal, standard way of addressing a friend

John, Jean, Informal, direct way of addressing a friend

My Dear, Mon chéri / Ma chérie, Very informal, used when addressing a loved one

My Dearest, Mon cher/ ma chère et tendre


Dearest John, Mon Jean d'amour, Informal, used when addressing a partner

Thank you for your letter. Merci pour votre lettre. Used when replying to correspondence

It was good to hear from you again.

Cela m'a fait plaisir d'avoir des nouvelles.

Used when replying to correspondence







Letter: Main BodyI am writing to tell you that… Je t'écris pour te dire

que...Used when you have important news


As-tu des plans pour...? Used when you want to invite someone to an event or meet up with them




I am very grateful to you for letting me know / offering me / writing to me…


Used when sincerely thanking someone for telling you

32

something / offering you something / writing to you regarding something

It was so kind of you to write / invite me / send me…

Ce fut très aimable de ta part de m'écrire / m' inviter / m' envoyer...











I was so sorry to hear that… Je fus désolé d'apprendre que...


Letter: Closing




…sends his / her love. ...envoie ses salutations. Used when adding someone else's regards to a letter





Used when you want to receive a letter in reply

Write back soon. Écris-moi vite. Direct, used when you want to receive a letter in reply

Do write back when… Écris-moi quand... Used when you want the recipient to reply only when they have news of something




Take care. Prends soin de toi. Used when writing to family and friends

33

I love you. Je t'aime. Used when writing to your partner

Best wishes, Tous mes voeux, Informal, used between family, friends or colleagues

With best wishes, Meilleurs voeux, Informal, used when writing to family or friends

Kindest regards, Meilleures salutations, Informal, used when writing to family or friends

All the best, Bonne chance, Informal, used when writing to family or friends

All my love, Je t'envoie tout mon amour,

Informal, used when writing to family or friends

Lots of love, Mes amours, Informal, used when writing to family

Much love, Mes amours, Informal, used when writing to family

1- Phrases: Business | Letter (English-French)

NGLISH FRENCH DESCRIPTION

Letter : Address

Mr. J. RhodesRhodes & Rhodes Corp.212 Silverback DriveCalifornia Springs CA 92926

Mr. J. RhodesRhodes & Rhodes Corp.212 Silverback DriveCalifornia Springs CA 92926

American address format:Name of recipientCompany nameStreet number + street nameName of town + state abbreviation + zip code

Mr. Adam SmithSmith's Plastics8 Crossfield RoadSelly OakBirminghamWest MidlandsB29 1WQ

Mr. Adam SmithSmith's Plastics8 Crossfield RoadSelly OakBirminghamWest MidlandsB29 1WQ

British and Irish address format:Name of recipientCompany nameNumber + street nameTown/city nameCountyPostal code

The Managing DirectorFightstar Corporation155 Mountain RiseAntogonish NS B2G 5T8

Patrice Clercsociété Lecanada44 rue des océansMONTREAL G3Z 2E1

Canadian address format:Name of recipientCompany nameStreet number + street name

34

Name of town + province abbreviation + postal code

Ms. Celia JonesTZ Motors47 Herbert StreetFloreatPerth WA 6018

Jacques DurandSociété Labelgiquerue des fleurs 251000 BRUXELLES.

Australian address format:Name of recipientCompany nameStreet number + street nameName of provinceTown/city name + postal code

Miss L. MarshallAquatechnics Ltd.745 King StreetWest EndWellington 0680

Stephane RolexSociété Lasuisse50 rue des arbres1500 GENÈVE.

New Zealand address format:Name of recipientCompany nameNumber + street nameSuburb/RD number/PO boxTown/city + postal code

Mr. N. SummerbeeTyres of Manhattan.335 Main StreetNew York NY 92926

Jean DupontSociété Lafrance18 rue des acacias75500 PARIS.

Standard English Address format: name of recipient, company name, street number + street name, name of town + region/state + zip/postal code.

Letter: Opening

Dear Mr. President, Mr. le président,

Very formal, recipient has a special title that must be used in place of their name

Dear Sir, Cher Monsieur,Formal, male recipient, name unknown

Dear Madam, Chère Madame,Formal, female recipient, name unknown

Dear Sir / Madam, Madame, Monsieur,Formal, recipient name and gender unknown

Dear Sirs, Mesdames, Messieurs,

Formal, when addressing several unknown people or a whole department

To whom it may concern,Aux principaux concernés,

Formal, recipient/s name and gender completely unknown

Dear Mr. Smith, Cher Monsieur Dupont,Formal, male recipient, name known

35

Dear Mrs. Smith, Chère Madame Dupont,Formal, female recipient, married, name known

Dear Miss Smith, Chère Mademoiselle Dupont,

Formal, female recipient, single, name known

Dear Ms. Smith,Chère Mademoiselle Dupont,

Formal, female recipient, name known, marital status unknown

Dear John Smith, Cher Jacques Dupont, Less formal, one has done business with the recipient before

Dear John, Cher Jacques,

Informal, one is personal friends with the recipient, relatively uncommon

We are writing to you regarding…

Nous vous écrivons concernant...

Formal, to open on behalf of the whole company

We are writing in connection with...

Nous vous écrivons au sujet de...


Further to… Suite à...

Formal, to open regarding something you have seen from the company you are contacting

With reference to… En référence à...


I am writing to enquire about…

J'écris afin de me renseigner sur...

Less formal, to open on behalf of yourself for your company

I am writing to you on behalf of...

Je vous écris de la part de...

Formal, when writing for someone else

Your company was highly recommended by…

Votre société fut recommandée par...

Formal, polite way of opening

Letter: Main Body

Would you mind if… Cela vous dérangerait si... Formal request, tentative

Would you be so kind as to…Seriez-vous assez aimable pour...

Formal request, tentative

I would be most obliged if… Je vous saurai gré de... Formal request, tentative

We would appreciate it if you could send us more detailed information about…

Nous vous saurions gré si vous aviez l'obligeance de nous envoyer plus

Formal request, very polite

36

d'informations sur...I would be grateful if you could... Je vous saurai gré de... Formal request, very

polite

Would you please send me…Pourriez-vous me faire parvenir...

Formal request, polite

We are interested in obtaining/receiving…

Nous sommes intéressés par la réception de...


I must ask you whether...Je me permets de vous demander si...


Could you recommend…Pourriez-vous recommander...

Formal request, direct

Would you please send me…Auriez-vous l'obligeance de m'envoyer...


You are urgently requested to… Nous vous prions de... Formal request, very

direct

We would be grateful if…Nous vous serions très reconnaissants si...

Formal request, polite, on behalf of the company

What is your current list price for…

Quelle est votre liste des prix pour...

Formal specific request, direct

We are interested in ... and we would like to know ...

Nous sommes intéressés par ... et nous désirerions savoir ...

Formal enquiry, direct

We understand from your advertisment that you produce…

Nous comprenons de part votre publicité que vous produiser...


It is our intention to… Notre intention est de... Formal statement of intent, direct

We carefully considered your proposal and…

Nous avons étudié votre proposition avec la plus grande attention et...

Formal, leading to a decision regarding a business deal

We are sorry to inform you that…

Nous sommes désolés de vous informer que...

Formal, rejection of a business deal or showing no interest in an offer

Letter: Closing

If you need any additional assistance, please contact me.

Pour toute aide complémentaire, veuillez s'il vous plait, me contacter.

Formal, very polite

If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know.

N'hésitez pas à nous faire savoir si nous pouvons vous fournir une aide supplémentaire.

Formal, very polite

Thanking you in advance…En vous remerciant par avance...

Formal, very polite

Should you need any further information, please do not

Nous restons à votre disposition pour toute

Formal, very polite

37

hesitate to contact me.information complémentaire

I would be most grateful if you would look into this matter as soon as possible.

Je vous serai très reconnaissant si vous pouviez étudier cette question aussi rapidement que possible.

Formal, very polite

Please reply as soon as possible because…

Veuillez, s'il vous plaît, répondre dès que possible parce que...

Formal, polite

If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.

N'hésitez pas à me contacter en cas de questions

Formal, polite

I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Je me réjouis de la possibilité d'une future collaboration.

Formal, polite

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Merci pour l'aide apportée à ce problème.

Formal, polite

I look forward to discussing this with you.

Dans l'attente de notre discussion.

Formal, direct

If you require more information ...

Si vous avez besoin de plus d'informations...

Formal, direct

We appreciate your business.Nous apprécions votre travail.

Formal, direct

Please contact me - my direct telephone number is…

Veuillez me contacter - mon numéro de téléphone est le...

Formal, very direct


Dans l'attente de votre réponse.

Less formal, polite

Yours faithfully,Veuillez agréer mes salutations distinguées,

Formal, recipient name unknown

Yours sincerely, Cordialement vôtre Formal, widely used, recipient known

Respectfully yours,Veuillez agréer l'expression de mes sentiments respecteux

Formal, not widely used, recipient name known

Kind/Best regards, Meilleures salutations,

Informal, between business partners who are on first-name terms

Regards, Cordialement,Informal, between business partners who work together often

2-Phrases: Business | Reservations (English-French)

ENGLISH (CHANGE) FRENCH (CHANGE) DESCRIPTION

38

Reservations : BookingI would like to book… Je voudrais réserver... Formal, politeI wish to book… Je souhaiterais réserver... Formal, polite

Do you have any vacancies on…

Avez-vous des chambres libres?

Formal, polite

I would like to reserve a room on the…

Je voudrais réserver une chambre pour le...

Formal, polite

We would like to reserve one of your conference rooms with seating capacity for 100 people.

Nous aimerions réserver une de vos salles de conférence avec une capacité de 100 places assises.

Formal, polite

I would like to reserve…in the name of...

Je voudrais réserver une salle au nom de...

Formal, polite

We also need the following equipment and services:

Nous avons également besoin de l'équipement et des services suivants:

Formal, polite

Reservations : Changing

Would it be possible to change the date of the booking to…

Serait-il possible de changer la date de réservation au...

Formal, polite

Unfortunately I am double booked on the day we arranged. Would it be possible to reserve the room for another date?

Je suis malheureusement déjà occupé le jour que nous avions prévu. Serait-il possible de réserver la salle à une autre date?

Formal, polite

I am afraid I must ask you to alter my booking from…to…

J'ai bien peur de devoir vous demander de modifier ma réservation du...au...

Formal, very polite

I would like to reserve an additional room, where lunch will be served after the meeting.

J'aimerais réserver une salle supplémentaire où le déjeuner serait servi après la réunion.

Formal, polite

Reservations : Cancelling

I'm afraid I have to cancel our reservation for…because…

J'ai bien peur de devoir annuler notre réservation de...parce que...

Formal, polite

Owing to…, I am afraid that I must cancel my booking.

Suite à..., j'ai bien peur de devoir annuler ma réservation.

Formal, polite

Unfortunately I have to cancel our reservation for a small conference room and a three course dinner.

Je dois malheureusement annuler ma réservation de la petite salle de conférence et du dîner.

Formal, polite

I could not reach you on the Comme je n'ai pas réussi à Formal, polite

39

phone, so I am writing you this mail to tell you I have to cancel our reservation for the conference room. I'm extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused.

vous joindre au téléphone, je vous écris ce courriel pour vous dire que je dois annuler notre réservation de la salle de conférence. Je suis extrêmement désolé pour la gêne occasionnée.

3-Phrases: Business | Appointments (English-French)


Appointments: Arranging

I would like an appointment with Mr Smith please.

Je souhaiterais un rendez-vous avec Mr. Dupont s'il vous plaît.

Formal, very polite

When would it suit you?Quand serait-ce le mieux pour vous?

Formal, polite

Can we arrange a meeting?Pouvons nous fixer un rendez-vous?

Formal, polite

I think we should meet.Je pense que nous devrions nous rencontrer.

Formal, direct

Appointments: Postponing

I wonder whether we can postpone our meeting?

Je me demandais si nous pouvions ajourner notre rendez-vous?

Formal, very polite

I can't make it tomorrow at 2pm. Can we make it a bit later, say 4pm?

Je ne pourrai pas être présent demain à 14h. Pouvons-nous nous voir un peu plus tard, disons 16h?

Formal, polite

Would it be possible to set another date?

Serait-il possible de fixer une autre date?

Formal, polite

I have to postpone our meeting until…

Je dois ajourner notre rendez-vous jusqu'au...

Formal, polite

Unfortunately I am double booked on the day we arranged to meet. Would it be possible to make another date?

Je suis malheureusement déjà occupé le jour où nous avions prévu de nous rencontrer. Serait-il possible de se voir à une autre date?

Formal, polite

I am forced to change the date of our meeting.

Je suis dans l'obligation de changer la date de notre rendez-vous.

Formal, direct

Could we make it a bit earlier/later?

Pourrions-nous nous voir un peu plus tôt/tard?

Formal, direct

40

Appointments: Cancelling

I could not reach you on the phone, so I am writing you this mail to tell you I have to cancel your appointment for tomorrow. I'm extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Comme je n'ai pas réussi à vous joindre au téléphone, je vous écris ce courriel pour vous dire que je dois annuler votre rendez-vous de demain. Je suis extrêmement désolé pour la gêne occasionnée.

Formal, polite

Regretfully, I have to inform you that I will not be able to attend our proposed meeting, and shall therefore have to cancel.

J'ai le regret de vous annoncer que je ne serai pas en mesure d'assister à la réunion proposée et je dois donc annuler.

Formal, polite

I'm afraid I have to cancel our appointment for tomorrow.

J'ai bien peur de devoir annuler notre rendez-vous de demain.

Formal, polite

Owing to…, I'm afraid I have to cancel our appointment.

En raison de..., j'ai bien peur de devoir annuler notre rendez-vous.

Formal, polite

4-Phrases: Business | Occupational Titles (English-French)


Occupational Titles : Business TitlesChairman and Managing Director

Président Directeur Général

UK, the financial head of a business

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

PrésidentUS, the financial head of a business

Marketing Director Directeur Marketing

Employee responsible for marketing department

Sales Manager Directeur des ventesEmployee responsible for sales department

Client Services ManagerResponsable service clients

Employee responsible for client services department

Personnel Director Responsable du personnelUS, employee responsible for other employees' queries

Human Resources Manager

Directeur des Ressources Humaines

UK, employee responsible for other employees' queries

Office Manager Chef de bureau Employee responsible for a

41

specific office

Company Secretary Secrétaire Général

Employee responsible for business correspondence

Chief Accountant Chef ComptableEmployee responsible for business finances

Technical Director Directeur Technique

Employee responsible for IT and communications services

Research and Development Manager

Responsable Recherche et Développement

Employee responsible for new product development

Production Director Responsable Production

Employee responsible for the production of products

Factory Manager Directeur d'usine

Employee responsible for the running of the factory where the product is made

5-Phrases: Business | E-Mail (English-French)


E-Mail : Opening

Dear Mr. President, Mr. le président,

Very formal, recipient has a special title that must be used in place of their name

Dear Sir, Monsieur,Formal, male recipient, name unknown

Dear Madam, Madame,Formal, female recipient, name unknown


Dear Sirs, Mesdames, Messieurs, Formal, when addressing several unknown people or a

42

whole department

To whom it may concern, Aux principaux concernés,Formal, recipient/s name and gender completely unknown

Dear Mr. Smith, Monsieur Dupont,Formal, male recipient, name known

Dear Mrs. Smith, Madame Dupont,Formal, female recipient, married, name known

Dear Miss Smith,Chère Mademoiselle Dupont,




Dear John Smith, Cher Jacques Dupont,Less formal, one has done business with the recipient before

Dear John, Cher Jacques,

Informal, one is personal friends with the recipient, relatively uncommon

We are writing to you regarding…

Nous vous écrivons concernant...


We are writing in connection with ...

Nous vous écrivons au sujet de...


Further to… Suite à...


With reference to… En référence à...


I am writing to enquire about…

J'écris afin de me renseigner sur...

Less formal, to open on behalf of yourself for your company

I am writing to you on behalf of...

Je vous écris de la part de...

Formal, when writing for someone else

Your company was highly recommended by…

Votre société fut recommandée par...

Formal, polite way of opening

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E-Mail: Main Body

Would you mind if… Cela vous dérangerait si...Formal request, tentative

Would you be so kind as to…

Seriez-vous assez aimable pour...

Formal request, tentative

I would be most obliged if…

Je vous saurai gré de...Formal request, tentative

We would appreciate it if you could send us more detailed information about…

Nous vous saurions gré si vous aviez l'obligeance de nous envoyer plus d'informations sur...

Formal request, very polite

I would be grateful if you could...

Je vous saurai gré de...Formal request, very polite

Would you please send me…

Pourriez-vous me faire parvenir...


We are interested in obtaining/receiving…

Nous sommes intéressés par la réception de...


I must ask you whether...Je me permets de vous demander si...


Could you recommend…Pourriez-vous recommander...


Would you please send me…

Auriez-vous l'obligeance de m'envoyer...


You are urgently requested to…

Nous vous prions de...Formal request, very direct

We would be grateful if…Nous vous serions très reconnaissants si...

Formal request, polite, on behalf of the company

What is your current list price for…

Quelle est votre liste des prix pour...

Formal specific request, direct

We are interested in ... and we would like to know ...

Nous sommes intéressés par ... et nous désirerions savoir ...


We understand from your advertisment that you produce…

Nous comprenons de part votre publicité que vous produiser...


It is our intention to… Notre intention est de...Formal statement of intent, direct

We carefully considered your proposal and…

Nous avons étudié votre proposition avec la plus grande attention et...

Formal, leading to a decision regarding a business deal

We are sorry to inform you that…

Nous sommes désolés de vous informer que...

Formal, rejection of a business deal or showing no interest in an offer

The attachment is in... Le fichier joint est au format...

English: Formal, detailing with what

44

program the recipient should open the attachment

I could not open your attachment this morning. My virus-checker program detected a virus.

Je n'ai pas pu ouvrir le fichier joint ce matin. Mon anti-virus a détecté un virus.

Formal, direct, detailing a problem with an attachment

I apologise for not forwarding the message sooner, but due to a typing error your mail was returned marked "user unknown".

Je m'excuse de ne pas avoir fait suivre votre message plus tôt, mais à cause d'une faute de frappe votre e-mail a été détecté comme "utilisateur inconnu".

Formal, polite

For further information please consult our website at…

Pour plus d'informations, veuillez consulter notre site internet sur...

Formal, when advertising your website

E-Mail: Closing

If you need any additional assistance, please contact me.

Pour toute aide complémentaire, veuillez s'il vous plait, me contacter.

Formal, very polite

If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know.

N'hésitez pas à nous faire savoir si nous pouvons vous fournir une aide supplémentaire.

Formal, very polite

Thanking you in advance…En vous remerciant par avance...

Formal, very polite

Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Nous restons à votre disposition pour toute information complémentaire.

Formal, very polite

I would be most grateful if you would look into this matter as soon as possible.

Je vous serai très reconnaissant si vous pouviez étudier cette question aussi rapidement que possible.

Formal, very polite

Please reply as soon as possible because…

Veuillez, s'il vous plaît, répondre dès que possible parce que...

Formal, polite

If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.

N'hésitez pas à me contacter en cas de questions

Formal, polite

I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Je me réjouis de la possibilité d'une future collaboration.

Formal, polite

Thank you for your help in Merci pour l'aide apportée Formal, polite

45

this matter. à ce problème.I look forward to discussing this with you.

Dans l'attente de notre discussion.

Formal, direct

If you require more information ...

Si vous avez besoin de plus d'informations...

Formal, direct

We appreciate your business.

Nous apprécions votre travail.

Formal, direct

Please contact me - my direct telephone number is…

Veuillez me contacter - mon numéro de téléphone est le...

Formal, very direct


Dans l'attente de votre réponse.

Less formal, polite



Yours sincerely, Cordialement vôtreFormal, widely used, recipient known





Regards, Cordialement,

Informal, between business partners who work together often

6-Phrases: Business | Abbreviations (English-French)


Abbreviations : Business Abbreviations

a.m. (ante meridiem)a.m. (ante meridiem): avant midi

Used with 12 hour clock after 00:00, but before 12:00

approx. (approximately)approx. (approximativement)

Used with estimates

attn. (to the attention of) à l'attention deUsed when in correspondence with specific person

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)Bachelor / Licence ( Licence d'Arts )

University title

CET (Central European Time)

HEC (Heure Europe Centrale)

Used in correspondence with businesses in other

46

time zonesH.R.H. (His/Her Royal Highness)

S.A.R (Son Altesse Royale)Title for honourary people

i.e. (id est) c.à.d (c'est-à-dire)Used when clarifying something

inc. (incorporated) S.A ( Société Anonyme )Comes after certain business names

Ltd. (limited)S.A.R.L (Société À Responsabilité Limitée)

Comes after certain business names

n/a (not applicable) n/a (non applicable)Used when something does not need to be applied

no. (number) n° (numéro) Used for orders

p.a. (per annum) par an

Used when describing an annual occurrence or business practice

p.m. (post meridiem)p.m. (post meridiem) après-midi

Used with 12 hour clock after 12:00, but before 00:00

PTO (please turn over)Retournez s.v.p. (retournez s'il vous plaît)

Indicates that there is correspondence on both sides of a page

VP (vice president) VP (vice-président)The second in command after the President

7-Phrases: Business | Order (English-French)


Order: PlacingWe are considering the purchase of…

Nous considérons l'achat de...

Formal, tentative

We are pleased to place an order with your company for ...

Nous sommes ravis d'effectuer une commande auprès de votre compagnie pour...

Formal, very polite

We would like to place an order.

Nous voudrions passer une commande.

Formal, polite

Enclosed is our firm order for…

Ci-joint se trouve notre commande pour...

Formal, polite

Enclosed you will find our order.

Ci-joint vous trouverez notre commande

Formal, polite

We have a steady demand for…, and so would like to

Nous avons une demande constante de... et nous

Formal, polite

47

order… voudrions commander...We herewith place our order for…

Nous passons la commande ci-jointe pour...

Formal, direct

We intend to buy...from you.

Nous désirons vous acheter...

Formal, direct

Would you be able to accept and order for…at a price of…per...?

Seriez-vous en mesure d'accepter une commande de... pour un prix de...par...?

Formal, very direct

We look forward to your confirmation. Please confirm in writing.

Dans l'attente de votre confirmation. Veuillez nous comfirmer par écrit.

Formal, polite

Order: Confirming

Could you please confirm the dispatch date and price by fax?

Pourriez-vous confirmer la date d'expédition et le prix par fax?

Formal, polite

Your order will be processed as quickly as possible.

Votre commande sera traitée aussi rapidement que possible.

Formal, very polite

Your order is being processed, and we expect to have the order ready for shipment before…

Votre commande est en cours de traitement et nous pensons que la commande sera prête à être expédiée avant le...

Formal, polite

In accordance with our verbal agreements, we are sending you the contract for your signature.

Conformément à notre accord verbal, nous vous envoyons le contrat pour que vous puissiez le signer.

Formal, direct

Enclosed you will find two copies of the contract.

Vous trouverez ci-jointes deux copies du contrat.

Formal, direct

Please return a signed copy of the contract no later than 10 days of the receipt date.

Veuillez nous retournez une copie signée du contrat sous 10 jours après la date de reception.

Formal, direct

We hereby confirm your order.

Veuillez trouver ci-joint la confirmation de votre commande.

Formal, polite

This is to confirm our verbal order dated…

Ceci est une confirmation de notre accord verbal du...

Formal, direct

We accept your terms of payment and confirm that the payment will be made by irrevocable letter of credit / international money order (IMO) / bank

Nous acceptons vos conditions de paiement et confirmons que le paiement sera effectué par lettre de crédit irrévocable / mandat

Formal, direct

48

transfer.postal international / virement bancaire.

We have just received your fax and can confirm the order as stated.

Nous venons de recevoir votre fax et confirmons la commande comme prévu.

Formal, direct

We place this trial order on the condition that the delivery has to be made before…

Nous passons cette commande à titre d'essai sous condition que la livraison soit effectuée avant le...

Formal, direct

Your goods will be dispatched within…days/weeks/months.

Vos produits seront expédiés sous...jours / semaines / mois.

Formal, direct

Order: Changing order detailsWould it be possible to reduce our order from...to…

Serait-il possible de réduire notre commande de...à...

Formal, polite

Would it be possible to increase our order from…to…

Serait-il possible d'augmenter notre commande de...à...

Formal, polite

Would it be possible to delay the order until…

Serait-il possible de retarder la commande jusqu'au...

Formal, polite

Unfortunately, we must inform you that we are not able to deliver the goods until…

Nous sommme désolés de vous informer que nous ne pourrons pas livrer les biens avant...

Formal, polite

We regret to inform you that this order will not be ready for dispatch tomorrow.

Nous avons le regret de vous informer que cette commande ne sera pas prête pour envoi demain.

Formal, polite

Order: Cancelling

We are sorry to inform you that we have to place our order elsewhere.

Nous sommes aux regrets de vous informer que nous allons passer commande auprès d'une autre compagnie.

Formal, very polite

We are sorry to inform you that we have already placed the order elsewhere.

Nous sommes aux regrets de vous informer que nous avons déjà passé commande auprès d'une autre compagnie.

Formal, very polite

Unfortunately these articles are no longer available/are out of stock,

Ces articles ne sont malheureusement plus disponibles / en stock,

Formal, polite

49

so we will have to cancel your order.

nous sommes, par conséquent, dans l'obligation d'annuler votre commande.

Unfortunately your conditions are not competitive enough for the order to be viable.

Nous sommes aux regrets de vous informer que nous allons passer commande auprès d'une autre compagnie.

Formal, polite

Unfortunately we cannot accept your offer because…

Nous sommes aux regrets de vous informer que nous ne pouvons accepter votre offre parce que...

Formal, polite

We would like to cancel our order. The order number is...

Nous voudrions annuler votre commande. Le numéro de la commande est le...

Formal, direct

We are forced to cancel our order due to...

Nous sommes dans l'obligation d'annuler votre commande dû à...

Formal, direct

Since you are not willing to offer us a lower rate, we regret to inform you that we are unable to place an order with you.

Puisque vous ne souhaitez pas nous proposer un taux plus bas, nous avons le regret de vous informer que nous ne passerons pas commande auprès de vous.

Formal, very direct

We see no other alternative but to cancel our order for…

Nous ne voyons pas d'autre choix que d'annuler notre commande de...

Formal, very direct

8-Phrases: Business | Invoice (English-French)


Invoice : StatementFor my services I kindly request the following payment…

Pour mes services, je demande la somme suivante...

Formal, very polite

Please find enclosed invoice no. … for …

Trouvez ci-joint la facture n° ...

Formal, polite

The pro forma invoice will be faxed.

La facture pro forma sera faxée.

Formal, direct

Payable immediately after the receipt of the goods.

Réglable directement après réception des biens.

Formal, direct

The total amount payable is…

La somme totale à payer est de...

Formal, direct

50

It is our company policy to invoice only in Euros.

C'est la politique de notre compagnie de facturer seulement en euros.

Formal, very direct

Invoice: Reminder

May we remind you that your payment for...is overdue.

Nous nous permettons de vous rappeler que le paiement de...est en retard.

Formal, very polite

This is to remind you that the above invoice is still unpaid.

Ceci est pour vous rappeler que la facture ci-dessus est toujours impayée.

Formal, polite

According to our records, we have not yet received a remittance for above invoice.

Selon nos archives, nous n'avons toujours pas reçu de paiement pour la facture...

Formal, polite

We would appreciate if you cleared your account within the next few days.

Nous apprécierions si vous pouviez effectuer le réglement dans les jours qui viennent.

Formal, polite

Our records show that the invoice still has not been paid.

Nos archives montrent que la facture n'a toujours pas été payée.

Formal, direct

Please send your payment promptly.

Veuillez envoyer votre paiement rapidement.

Formal, direct

We have not yet received payment for…

Nous n'avons toujours pas reçu le paiement pour...

Formal, very direct

Our Accounts department will only release this order for shipment if we receive a copy of your cheque/transfer.

Notre département comptabilité ne permettra l'envoi de la commande que si nous recevons une copie de votre chèque / virement.

Formal, very direct

If you have already sent your payment, please disregard this letter.

Si vous avez déjà envoyé votre paiement, ne tenez pas compte de cette lettre.

Formal, polite

Application | Motivational Cover Letter (English-French)


Motivational Cover Letter: Opening


Dear Madam, Chère Madame, Formal, female

51

recipient, name unknown

Dear Sir / Madam,Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur,

Formal, recipient name and gender unknown











Dear John Smith, Cher Jacques Dupont,Less formal, one has done business with the recipient before

I wish to apply for the post of…which you advertised in…on… .

Je souhaite postuler au poste...dont vous avez publié l'annonce dans...

Standard formula for applying for a job whose advertisement you saw in a newspaper or magazine

I am writing in response to your advertisement posted on…

Je vous écris en réponse à l'annoncé parue sur...

Standard formula used when responding to an advertisement posted online

I refer to your advertisement in…dated… .

Au sujet de l'offre d'emploi sur/dans...datée du...

Standard formula used to explain where you found the advertisement for a job

I read your advertisement for an experienced…in the…issue of…with great interest.

J'ai lu votre offre pour...dans le numéro...de...avec beaucoup d'intérêt.

Formula used when applying for a job having seen the advertisment in a magazine or

52

periodicalI have pleasure in applying for the advertised position, as…

J'ai le plaisir de poser ma candidature pour le poste anonncé de..., comme...

Standard formula for applying for a job

I would like to apply for the position of…

Je souhaiterais poser ma candidature pour le poste de...

Standard formula for applying for a job

Currently I am working for… and my responsibilities include…

Je travaille actuellement pour...et mes responsablités incluent...

Used as an opening sentence to describe your current occupational status and what it involves

Motivational Cover Letter: Reasoning

I am particularly interested in this job, as…

Je suis particulièrement interessé par cet emploi car...

Used to explain why you would like a certain job

I would like to work for you, in order to…

Je voudrais travailler pour votre compagnie, afin de...

Used to explain why you would like a certain job

My strengths are…Mes qualités principales sont...

Used to show what your key attributes are

I would say that my only weakness / weaknesses are… . But I am looking to improve in this / these area/s.

Je dirais que mes faiblesses sont...mais j'ai hâte de pouvoir travailler sur ces domaines afin de m'améliorer.

Used to reflect upon your weaknesses, but show that you are determined to improve in those areas

I would be well suited to the position because…

Je serais parfaitement adapté à ce poste parce que...

Used to explain what makes you a good candidate for the job

Although I have no previous experience in…, I have had…

Bien que je n'ai pas d'expérience en..., J'ai eu...

Used if you have never had the chance to work in a certain business field, but can demonstrate qualities from other experiences you have had

My professional qualifications / skills appear to be well suited to your company's requirements.

Mes qualifications / compétences professionnelles semblent très adaptées aux exigences de votre compagnie.

Used to explain what skills make you good candidate for the job

During my time as ..., I Pendant mon expérience Used to demonstrate

53

improved / furthered / extended / my knowledge of…

en tant que..., j'ai accru mes connaissances en...

your experience in a certain field and ability to aquire new skills

My area of expertise is…Mon domaine d'expertise est...

Used to show in which field of work your main attributes and experiences are

Whilst working at… I became highly competent in…

Pendant que je travaillais à...je suis devenu très compétent en...

Used to demonstrate your experience in a certain field and ability to aquire new skills

Even when working at high speed, I do not neglect accuracy and would therefore be particularly suitable for the demands of working as ….

Même en travaillant sous la pression, je fournis un travail précis. C´est pourquoi je pense que je serais tout à fait adapté à ce poste et ses exigences.

Used to explain why you would be good at the job using the experience gained from your previous employment history

Even under pressure I can maintain high standards.

Même sous la pression, je produis toujours un travail de qualité.

Used to show that you can work in a demanding business environment

And thus I would have the opportunity to combine my interests with this placement.

Je voudrais donc avoir l'opportunité de combiner mes intérêts avec cet emploi.

Used to show that you have a personal interest in the job

I have a lively interest in … and would appreciate the opportunity / chance to broaden my knowledge by working with you.

J'ai un intérêt tout particulier pour...et je serais ravi de pouvoir étendre mes connaissances en...en travaillant avec vous.

Used to show that you have a personal interest in the job

As you can see from my enclosed résumé, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements.

Comme vous pouvez le voir sur mon CV, mon expérience et mes qualifications correspondent aux exigences de ce poste.

Used to highlight your résumé and show how well the job would suit you

My current position as…for...has provided me with the opportunity to work in a high-pressure, team environment, where it is essential to be able to work closely with my colleagues in order to meet deadlines.

Mon emploi en tant que...pour...m'a permis de pouvoir travailler sous la pression, en équipe, où il est essentiel d'être capable de travailler étroitement avec ses collègues pour honorer les délais.

Used to display what skills you have gained from you current job

In addition to my En plus de mes Used to show

54

responsibilities as..., I also developed…skills.

responsabilités en tant que..., j'ai aussi développer des compétences en...

additional skills gained from your current job. Skills that may not normally be associated with your occupational title

Motivational Cover Letter: Skills

My native language is…, but I can also speak…

Ma langue maternelle est..., mais je sais aussi parler...

Used to show your native language, and also other languages in which you have fluency

I have an excellent command of…

J'ai une excellente maîtrise de...

Used to show non-native languages that you can communicate to a high level in

I have a working knowledge of…

J'ai une connaissance intermédiaire de...

Used to show non-native languages that you can communicate to an intermediate level in

I have …years experience of working…

J'ai travaillé pendant ...ans en tant que...

Used to show your experience in a certain business area

I am an experienced user of…

Je suis un utilisateur confirmé de...

Used to show what computer software you can use

I believe I possess the right combination of...and… .

Je pense que je possède un équilibre entre... et...

Used to show how balanced your skills are

Excellent communication skills

Excellentes techniques de communication

The ability to share information with and explain things to your colleagues

Deductive reasoningCapacité de déduction / raisonnement

The ability to understand and explain things quick and effectively

Logical thinking Esprit logique

The ability to construct one's ideas in a precise, well thought-out manner

Analytical skills Esprit analytiqueThe ability to assess things in detail

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Good interpersonal skillsCompétences relationnelles

The ability to manage and communicate with colleagues effectively

Negotiation skillsCompétences en négociation

The ability to do business deals with other companies effectively

Presentation skillsCompétence communicationnelle

The ability to communicate ideas effectively in front of a large group

Motivational Cover Letter: Closing

I am highly motivated and look forward to the varied work which a position in your company would offer me.

Je suis très motivé et exalté par la perspective du travail varié que m'offrirait un poste dans votre compagnie.

Used when closing to reiterate one's desire to work for the company

I see new tasks / this position as a welcome challenge, which I look forward to.

J'attends avec impatience ce nouveau poste / ces nouvelles tâches, que je perçois comme un défi.

Used when closing to reiterate one's desire to work for the company

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further details of the position with you personally.

Je me tiens personnellement à votre disposition pour vous apporter plus de détails ou discuter du poste.

Used when closing to hint at the possibility of an interview

Please find my résumé / CV attached.

Veuillez trouver mon CV ci-joint.

Standard formula used to tell the employer that your résumé / CV is included with the cover letter

I can supply references from…if required.

Je peux fournir des références de... si nécessaire.

Standard formula used to tell the employer that you are willing to provide references

References can be requested from…

Des références de...peuvent m'être demandées.

Used to tell the employer that you are willing to provide references and who they can contact for these

I am available for interview on…

Je suis disponible pour un entretien le...

Used to indicate when you are free

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for an interview

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly suited to this position. Please contact me via…

Merci pour votre temps et considération. J'attends avec impatience la possibilité de pouvoir personnellement discuter avec vous et de pouvoir vous expliquer pourquoi je conviens particulièrement à ce poste. Veuillez, s'il vous plaît, me contacter au...

Used to give one's prefered contact details and to thank the employer for reviewing your application



Yours sincerely, Cordialement vôtreFormal, widely used, recipient known





Phrases: Application | Résumé / CV (English-French)


Résumé / CV : Personal data

First Name PrénomThe given name of the applicant

Surname Nom de familleThe family or last name of an applicant

Date of Birth Date de naissanceThe date and year the applicant was born

Place of Birth Lieu de naissanceThe name of the place the applicant was born

Nationality NationalitéThe country of the applicant's citizenship

Marital Status Statut maritalThe applicant's current relationship status

Single Célibataire Not married or in a

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romantic relationship

Married MariéHaving a husband or wife

Widowed VeufSingle because of the death of a spouse

Address AdresseThe exact location where the applicant is currently living

Phone Téléphone

The telephone number, by which the applicant can be contacted

E-Mail CourrielThe working e-mail address of an applicant

Website Site internetThe applicant's personal or business website address

Résumé / CV : Education1991 - 1995 / Seattle University / Seattle, WABachelor of Business Administration

1991 - 1995: Licence Administration , Université d'Angers, Angers

Standard US format for listing your educational history

Kindergarten École maternelle

A school or class for young children between the ages of five and eight years in the US

Elementary School École primaire

The lowest school giving formal instruction in the US for children aged between eight and thirteen years

Middle School Collège

A school in the US between elementary school and high school for children aged between thirteen and sixteen years

High School Lycée

A school in the US after middle school for children aged sixteen to eighteen

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College College (Université)US name for degree-level education at university

Nursery Nursery (Crêche)

UK name for education between the ages of two and four

Infant School

Infant School (Classes préparatoires)

UK name for education between the ages of four and seven

Junior School

Junior School (École primaire)

UK name for education between the ages of seven and ten

Secondary School

Secondary School (Collège/Lycée)

UK name for education between the ages of ten and sixteen

Sixth-Form College Sixth-Form (Lycée)

UK name for education between the ages of sixteen and eighteen

University UniversitéUK name for degree-level education

Résumé / CV : Work experience

1998 - Present / Jackson Shoes Inc. / Spokane, WAManagerResponsibilities included:

1998-Présent: Responsable Produit chez Louis Vuitton, Paris, FranceResponsabilités:

An example of the standard way in which to list one's occupational history

Work experience at… Stage chez...

Used to introduce a period of work, undertaken in order to gain insight or expertise in a certain working environment

Internship at… Stage chez... Used to introduce a temporary period of work, undertaken in order to gain insight or expertise in a certain working environment. The term is often used when one works abroad for a certain

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period

Voluntary work at… Volontariat chez...

Used to introduce an unpaid period of work, usually undertaken in order to help those in need

Résumé / CV : Other qualifications

Good understanding of both written and spoken…

... lu, écrit, parlé

Used to show that the candidate has a decent level of competency in a language

Fluency in both written and spoken…

... lu, écrit, parlé couramment

Used to show that the candidate is fluent in a certain language

Computer literate initié à l'informatique

Used to show that the candidate can use all the basic functions of a computer

Excellent communication / negotiation / presentation skills.

Excellentes compétences en communication / négociation / présentation.

Used to show that the candidate is good at communicating / negotiating / presenting

Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite / HTML programming.

Excellente maîtrise du pack Office / connaissances en programmation HTML

Used to show that the candidate has in-depth knowledge of how to use all of the Microsoft Office programs and HTML

Knowledge of Microsoft Word / Excel / Access / Powerpoint.

Maîtrise de Mircrosoft Word / Excel / Access / Powerpoint

Used to show that the candidate has prior knowledge of how to use word-processor, spreadsheet, database and presentation software

Familiarity with CAD / CAM.

Familiarisé avec DAO /CFAO

Used to show that the candidate can use computer design software

Currently holding a full… Titulaire du permis B Used to show that

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driver's license.the candidate can legally drive a car

Phrases: Application | Reference Letter (English-French)


Reference Letter: Opening


Dear Madam, Chère Madame,Formal, female recipient, name unknown












I am delighted to be called upon as a reference for…

C'est avec plaisir que je recommande...

Used as an opening phrase when one has enjoyed working with the person about whom he / she is writing

I first became acquainted with...in..., when he joined...

J'ai d'abord fait la connaissance de...en..., quand il a joint...

Used to give details of how one knows the candidate

...has asked me to write a letter of recommendation

...m'a demandé de rédiger une lettre de

Used as an opening phrase when one

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to accompany his application for… . I am very pleased to do so.

référence pour accompagnier sa candidature pour... . Je suis ravi de pouvoir le faire.

has enjoyed working with the person about whom he / she is writing

It has been a pleasure to be…'s boss / supervisor / colleague since… .

Ce fut un plaisir d'être le responsable / superviseur / collègue de... depuis...


I am happy to write this letter of recommendation for… . In this letter I would like to express my respect and appreciation for this bright young person, who brought outstanding contribution to the work of my group.

Je suis heureux d'écrire cette lettre de recommandation pour... Dans cette lettre j'aimerais exprimer mon respect et mon estime pour cette jeune et brillante personne qui a apporté une contribution remarquable à mon groupe de travail.


I have no hesitancy in writing a letter of recommendation for…

Je n'ai aucune hésitation à écrire une lettre de recommandation pour...


It is a pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for…

C'est un plaisir de rédiger une lettre de recommandation pour...


have known...since… , when he / she enrolled in my class / began to work at… .

Je connais...depuis... , quand il / elle à débuté mon cours / commencé à travailler chez...


I have known...for...months / years in my capacity as...at… .

Je connais...depuis...en tant que...chez...


I was…boss / supervisor / colleague / teacher from…to… .

Je fus le responsable / superviseur / collègue / professeur de... de... à...


...worked for me on various projects as a...,

...a travaillé pour moi sur de nombreux

Used as an opening phrase when one

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and based on his / her work, I would rank him / her as one of the best...we have ever had.

projets en tant que..., et sur la base de son travail, je le / la décrirais comme un des meilleurs...que nous n'ayons jamais eu.

has enjoyed working with the person about whom he / she is writing

Reference Letter: Skill Set

Since the beginning of our collaboration I know him / her as a…person.

Depuis le début de notre collaboration, j'ai toujours trouvé que...était une personne...

Used to describe a positive aspect of the candidate's personality

...distinguished himself / herself by…

...se distingue par...

Used to explain the main positive attributes that the candidate demonstrated

His / her greatest talent is / lies in…

Sa qualité principale est / repose sur...

Used to show the candidates main strengths

He / she is a creative problem-solver.

Il / elle possède une grande créativité pour solutionner les problèmes

Used to describe a candidate who readily accepts and solves challenges

He / she has a broad range of skills.

Il / elle possède une large palette de compétences.

Used to describe a candidate who has a good all-round set of skills

He / she communicates his / her ideas clearly.

Il / elle communique ses idées clairement.

Used to describe a candidate with good communication skills

He / she handles responsibility well.

Il / elle est une personne à qui on peut donner des responsabilités.

Used to describe a candidate who can manage a team / project well and who works well under pressure

He / she has a wide-ranged knowledge of… .

Il / elle possède des larges connaissances en...

Used to describe what skills a candidate already has to offer

He grasps new concepts quickly and accepts constructive criticism and instruction concerning his work.

Il / elle assimile les nouveaux concepts très rapidement et accepte les critiques constructives concernant son travail.

Used to describe an astute and dynamic candidate, very complimentary

I would like to mention here, that...is…and has the ability to… .

Je voudrais mentionner que...est...et qu'il a la capacité à...

Used to give specific details regarding a candidate's ability to

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do something

His / her extraordinary ability to...was invaluable.

Son extraordinaire capacité à...fut inestimable.

Used to describe a candidate's best quality

He / she always takes an active role in… .

Il / elle prend toujours un rôle important dans...

Used to describe a candidate that is active and likes to get involved in work

He / she finishes her work on schedule. When he / she has a concern or question about an assignment, he / she speaks his / her mind clearly and directly, giving voice to what others may feel but cannot or will not say.

Il / elle finit son travail dans les temps. Quand il /elle a un problème ou une question concernant une tâche qui lui a été assignée, il / elle n'hésite pas à parler directement, se faisant la voix de ceux qui n'osent pas parler.

Used to describe an astute and dynamic candidate, very complimentary

Reference Letter : Job responsibilities

While he / she was with us he / she… . This responsibility involved… .

Pendant qu'il / elle était avec nous il / elle a...Cette responsabilité impliquait...

Used to give a list of tasks a candidate undertook and what each entailed

His / her main responsibilities were…

Ses principales fonctions étaient de...

Used to give a list of tasks a candidate undertook

His / her weekly tasks involved…

Ses tâches hebdomadaires étaient de...

Used to give a list of weekly tasks a candidate undertook

Reference Letter : Evaluation

I would like to say that it is pleasant to work with..., he / she is reliable and intelligent person with good sense of humor.

Je voudrais dire qu'il est agréable de travailler avec..., c'est une personne intelligente sur qui on peut compter et qui a aussi le sens de l'humour.

Used to give a positive evaluation of a candidate

If his / her performance in our company is a good indication of how he / she would perform in yours, he / she would be an extremely positive asset to your program.

Ses performances dans notre compagnie sont un bon indicateur de comment il travaillera dans la vôtre, il serait un apport extrêmement positif pour votre programme.

Used to give a very positive evaluation of a candidate

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In my opinion, ...is a hard-working self-starter who invariably understands exactly what a project is all about.

À mes yeux, ...est une personne travailleuse capable de travailler sans supervision et qui comprend exactement ce qu'est un projet.


...consistently produces high quality work in a timely fashion.

...produit un travail de grande qualité et respecte toujours les délais.


The only area of weakness that I ever noted in his / her performance was...

Le seul domaine dans lequel... fait preuve d'une certaine faiblesse est...

Used to give a negative aspect when evaluating a candidate

I believe…should be considered ahead of other candidates because…

Je pense sincèrement que...devrait être considéré comme le candidat le plus adapté parce que...

Used to recommend the candidate for specific reasons, a very positive way to evaluate a candidate

Reference Letter: Closing

...will be a great addition to your program. If I can further assist, please e-mail or call me.

...serait un apport de choix à votre programme. Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez me contacter par courriel ou par téléphone.

Used to close a positive reference letter

...has my strong recommendation. He / She will be a credit to your program.

Je rcommande très fortement... . Elle apporterait un plus à votre programme.

Used to close a very positive reference letter

I am confident that...will continue to be very productive. He / she has my highest recommendation.

Je suis persuadé que...continuera à être très productif. Je le / la recommande fortement.

Used to close a very positive reference letter

I give him / her my highest recommendation, without reservation. Please send e-mail or call me if you have further questions.

Je le / la recommande sans aucune réserve. N'hésitez pas à me contacter par courriel ou par téléphone si vous avez des questions.

Used to close an extremely positive reference letter

I firmly believe in his / her outstanding abilities for...and strongly recommend him / her for further education at your university, where he /she can develop and apply his / her bright talents.

Je crois sincèrement en ses capacités remarquables concernant...et je le / la recommande fortement pour votre université, où il / elle pourra développer et mettre en application ses talents lumineux.


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It is satisfying to be able to give him / her my highest recommendation. I hope this information proves helpful.

C'est une satisfaction personnelle de pouvoir vous le / la recommander. J'espère que cette que information s'avère utile.


I enthusiastically recommend...as a promising candidate.

Je recommande avec enthousiasme...comme un candidat talentueux.


Seldom have I been able to recommend someone without reservation. It is a pleasure to do so in the case of… .

J'ai rarement eu l'occasion de recommander quelqu'un sans aucune réserve. C'est un plaisir de pouvoir le faire dans le cas de...


I respect...as a colleague, but I must say that in all honesty, I cannot recommend him / her for your company.

Je respecte...en tant que collègue, mais en toute honnêteté, je ne peux pas le / la recommander pour votre compagnie.

Used when one doesn't feel the candidate is suitable for the job

I will be pleased to answer any additional questions you may have.

Je serais ravi de répondre à d'éventuelles questions que vous pourriez avoir.


You can contact me by letter / e-mail if you require any further information.

Vous pouvez me contacter par lettre / courriel pour toute information complémentaire.


Phrases: Academic | Table of Contents (English-French)


Table of Contents: Contents and Indexing

Table of Contents Table des matières

A list of the sections or chapters of the thesis organized in chronological order

List of Figures Liste des figures

A list of figures in the thesis organized in chronological order

List of Tables Liste des tablesA list of tables in the thesis organized in chronological order

Appendix Annexes

Supplementary material that is collected and attached at the end of the thesis

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Glossary GlossaireAn alphabetical list of technical terms with their definitions

Bibliography Bibliographie A systematic list of books and other works cited

Index Index

A list of words or phrases at the end of the thesis with pointers to where related material can be found in a document

Phrases: Academic | Opening (English-French)


Opening: Introduction

In this essay/paper/thesis I shall examine/investigate/evaluate/analyze…

Dans ce travail/cet essai/cette thèse, j'examinerai/j'enquêterai/j'évaluerai/j'analyserai...

General opening for an essay/thesis

To answer this question, we begin by taking a closer look at…

Pour répondre à cette question, nous commencerons par regarder de plus près...

To introduce a specfic area of a subject on which you shall focus

The question, whether…has been preoccupying the experts for some time.

La question a préoccupé les experts depuis un certain temps.

General opening to introduce a subject

It is a well-known fact that…

C'est un fait bien connu que...

General opening to introduce a subject that is well-known

A great deal is being written and said about…

On a beaucoup parlé et écrit sur ce sujet...

General opening to introduce a subject

It is generally agreed today that…

De nos jours, il est convenu que...

General opening to introduce a subject that is generally agreed upon, but which you would like to question

We then review the factors…

Nous analyserons ensuite les points...

Developing your opening to describe exactly what your thesis involves

We build on this analysis to identify…

Nous continuerons l'analyse et identifierons...

Developing your opening to describe exactly what your

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thesis involves

A persistent theme in...is…Un thème récurrent est...Introducing the main themes

As an empirical phenomenon, ... has been observed repeatedly.

Le phénomème... a été observé à de nombreuses reprises.

To emphasize the importance of your study

Against this background, the central question that motivates this paper is: ...

La question principale qui est à l'origine de cette étude est:

Specific statement saying what your study is about, comes after general background information

This research explores the causes of…

Ce travail explore les causes de...

Specific statement of intention for your research

The authors of more recent studies have proposed that…

Certains auteurs d'études plus récentes ont proposé que...

Used to present the current academic thinking around your chosen subject

Our purpose is to… Notre but est de...Used to state the main aims of the study

By empirically examining..., we hope to produce a more complete understanding of…

En examinant de façon empirique..., nous espérons arriver à une compréhension plus complète de...

Used to describe your method and introduce the central aspect of the study

Opening: Definition

By definition… means… Par définition...signifie...Used to define a certain word

For the purposes of this essay, the term… will be taken to mean…

Pour les ojectifs de cet essai, le terme...aura le sens de...

Used to define a certain word

It is important to be clear about the definition of…

Il est important d'être clair quant à la définition de...


The term… refers to…Le terme...fait référence à...


The standard model suggests that… can be defined as…

La norme veut que...soit défini comme...

Used to describe a word, for which a definition has been suggested, but leaves the possibility for personal interpretation

According to..., …is defined as…

Selon..., ...a le sens de... Used to describe a word, for which a definition has been

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suggested, but leaves the possibility for personal interpretation

…may be defined in many ways. Some people argue that the term denotes…

...peut avoir plusieurs sens. Certaines personnes argumentent que le terme dénote...


…is commonly understood to mean…

...est communément compris comme...


What we usually have in mind when we talk about… is…

Ce que nous avons à l'esprit quand nous parlons de...est...


Two brief examples might clarify this concept.

Deux exemples pourraient éclairer ce concept.

A statement, after which you can use examples to define an idea

It is important to emphasize…

Il est important de mettre en valeur...

Used when wanting to draw attention to your definition

Our focus is on… Nous nous focalisons sur...A casual way to define a certain word

Finally, we should clarify our definition of…

Enfin, il serait nécessaire de clarifier la définition de...

Used towards the end of a paragraph, in order to define a certain word

What we mean is that…Ce que nous entendons par là est que...

Used to further explain a definition or give examples of that definition

Several explanations have been offered.

Plusieurs explications ont été proposées.

A statement, after which you can further explain your definition

We can characterize these explanations as being

Ces explications trouvent leur origine dans...

Used to clarify the basis for your

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rooted in… definition

These explanations complement each other and help to illuminate the phenomenon of…

Ces explications se complètent et permettent d'éclaircir le phénomène de...

Used after having given two similar examples, which together can be used to define a word

Following..., scholars have argued that …

Suivant l'idée de..., certains experts ont proposé que...

Used when there is one clear expert in your field, but others have contributed towards his definition

Opening: Hypothesis

The central question then becomes: how might… affect…?

La question centrale devient alors: comment...pourrait affecter...?

Used to present the main hypothesis

Given this evidence for..., an examination of the factors that impact upon… seems warranted.

Etant donné..., une examination des facteurs qui ont un impact sur...semble justifiée.


Over a decade ago, … and… started a debate centering on this question: whether…

Il y a plus de dix ans, ...et...ouvrirent un débat autour de cette question: ...


This research addresses… by developing and testing a series of hypotheses indicating how… affects...

Cette étude s'adresse à...en développant et testant une série d'hypothèses indiquant comment... agit sur...


Thus, following the reasoning set forth by..., we hypothesize that…

Ainsi, en suivant le raisonnement proposé par..., nous soumettrons l'hypothèse que...


Some of these arguments have been formalized by..., but none have been tested.

Certains de ces arguments ont été validés par..., mais aucun n'a été testé.

Used to introduce the hypothesis and state that your study is unique

The evidence from these studies suggests a variety of factors related to…

La preuve apportée par ces études suggèrent qu'une variété de facteurs en rapport à...

Used to present the factors relevant to your study and your hypothesis

...found a significant correlation between… and…

... a trouvé une corrélation importante entre...et...

Used to point out someone else's work, which has relevance to your

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own

Academic | Main Body (English-French)


Main Body : Agreeing

Broadly speaking, I agree with… because…

D'une façon générale, je suis d'accord avec...parce que...

Used when in general agreement with someone else's point of view

One is very much inclined to agree with… because…

Il est naturel d'agréer à...parce que...

Used when in general agreement with someone else's point of view

I can see his/her point. Je peux le/la comprendre.

Used when you believe someone else's point of view is valid, but you do not fully agree

I entirely agree that…Je suis entièrement d'accord que...

Used when in complete agreement with someone else's point of view

I endorse wholeheartedly the opinion that…

Je cautionne sans aucune réserve l'idée que...

Used when in complete agreement with someone else's point of view

Main Body : Disagreeing

Broadly speaking, I disagree with… because…

D'une façon générale, je ne suis pas d'accord avec...parce que...

Used when in general disagreement with someone else's point of view

One is very much inclined to disagree with… because…

Il est naturel de ne pas agréer à...

Used when in general disagreement with someone else's point of view

I can see his point, but disagree with it entirely.

Je peux l'entendre, mais je ne suis pas entièrement d'accord avec son point de vue.

Used when you understand someone else's point of view, but you do not agree with it at all

I strongly disagree that… Je suis en désaccord avec le fait que...

Used when in complete

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disagreement with someone else's point of view

I am firmly opposed to the idea that…

Je suis fermement opposé à l'idée que

Used when in complete opposition to someone else's point of view

Main Body : Comparisons

…and…are similar/different as regards to…

...and...sont similaires/différents au regard de...

An informal way of stating specific similarities or comparisons between two things

In contrast to…, …shows…En opposition avec..., ...montre...

Used when wanting to emphasize the difference between two things

…by contrast with… is/are…

..., en contraste avec... est/sont...


…is similar to… in respect of…

...est similaire à...en ce qui concerne...

Used when wanting to emphasize and explain a similarity between two things

…and… differ in terms of......et...diffèrent en termes de...

Used when wanting to emphasize and explain a difference between two things

The first…, by contrast, the second…

Le premier..., a contrario, le second...


One of the main similarities/differences between… and… is that…

Une des principales similarités/différences entre...et... est que...

Used when stating specific similarities or comparisons between two things

One difference between… and… is that…, whereas…

Une différence entre...et... est que...alors que...

Used to highlight a difference between two things, can be the start of a long list of differences

Main Body : OpinionsI would say that… Je dirais que... Used to give a

personal opinion, of which you are not

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fully confident

It seems to me that… Il me semble que...

Used to give a personal opinion, of which you are not fully confident

In my opinion… À mon sens...Used to give a personal opinion

From my point of view… De mon point de vue...Used to give a personal opinion

I am of the opinion that… Je suis de l'opinion que...Used to give a personal opinion

I believe that there are several reasons. Firstly,… Secondly…

Je crois qu'il y a plusieurs raisons. Premièrement, ...Deuxièmement...

Used when wanting to list many reasons for something

It is my belief that… because…

Ma croyance est que...parce que...

Used to give a personal opinion that you are sure of and an explanation of said opinion

Main Body : Connecting Elements

Let us now analyze/turn to/examine…

Analysons/tournons-nous vers/examinons...

Used when changing subject and to start a new paragraph

It is now clear that… . Let us turn our attention to…

Il est désormais clair que... . Portons notre attention sur...

Used when changing subject and to start a new paragraph

Moreover, one argument against this cannot be ignored: …

De plus, on ne peut pas ignorer cet argument: ...

Used when adding important information to an already developed argument

Admittedly…, but… De l'avis général..., mais...

Used when conceding a counter-argument, but wanting to suggest further analysis of your own

It is true that…, yet the fact remains that…

Il est vrai que..., pourtant il demeure que...

Used when conceding a counter-argument, but wanting to suggest further analysis of your own

Granted, …, nevertheless…

Il va de soi que..., cependant...

Used when conceding a counter-argument, but

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wanting to suggest further analysis of your own

On the contrary, … Au contraire, ...

Used when correcting a mistaken belief, after said belief has been stated

On the one hand… D'un coté...Used to introduce one side of an argument

On the other hand… D'un autre côté...

Used to show another side of an argument. Always used after "on the one hand…"

In spite of… En dépit de...

Used when making an argument, which goes against certain data or beliefs

Despite the fact that… En dépit du fait que...

Used when making an argument, which goes against certain data or beliefs

Scientifically/Historically speaking…

Scientifiquement/historiquement parlant...

Used when referring to science or past events in history

Incidentally… À propos...

Used when an additional point is thought of that can support your analysis

Furthermore… En outre...

Used when developing a point to a high analytical level

Phrases: Academic | Statistics (English-French)


Statistics : Empirical DataIt can be seen from… that…

On peut voir avec... que...Used to describe raw data

As can be seen from…, …Comme il peut être vu avec..., ...

Used to describe raw data

The data would seem to suggest that…

Les informations semblent suggérer que...


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The figures reveal that… Les chiffres révèlent que...Used to describe raw data

From the figures it is apparent that…

Au regard des chiffres, il est clair que...


Several noteworthy results were…

Plusieurs résultats notables furent...

Used to describe raw data that is especially important

The results of the present study demonstrate that…

Les résultats de la présente étude démontre que...


Statistics : PresentingThe number of… has increased/decreased/stayed the same.

Le nombre de... a augmenté/diminué/est resté stable.

Used to further describe data, and any relevant trends

The statistics show that the number of… between… and… has doubled/halved.

Les statistiques montrent que le nombre de... entre... et...ont doublé/ diminué de moitié.

Used to further describe data, and any relevant trends between a certain time period

The numbers show a steady increase/decrease from… to…

Les chiffres montrent une augmentation/diminution constante de... à...


The number of… has risen/fallen in correlation to…

Le nombre de... est en hausse/baisse en correlation avec...


Between… and… one can clearly see that the number of… has increased/decreased/stayed the same.

Entre... et..., on peut voir que le nombre de... a augmenté/diminué/ est resté le même.

Used to further describe data, and any relevant trends between a certain time period

...was positively correlated with…

Une correlation fut établie entre...et...

Used to describe the relationship between two sets of data

As predicted, … Comme prévu, ...

Used to further describe data, and confirm your original predictions

This finding is consistent with X's contention that…

Cette découverte est en accord avec celle de X qui dit que...

Used to compare your results with someone else's

This finding reinforces X's assertion that…

Cette découverte renforce l'affirmation que...

Used to show that your results are consistent with someone else's

Consistent with X's findings, ...is positively related to…

En cohérence avec les conclusions de X, ...est lié positivement à...

Used to show that your results are consistent with

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someone else's

Statistics : Concluding

The statistics show that…Les statistiques montrent que...

Used to develop your ideas and to infer what the statistics mean in a broader sense

According to the statistics…

Selon les statistiques...


When one looks at the statistics, one can see that…

Au regard des statistiques, on peut observer que...


Statistically speaking… Statistiquement parlant...


Taking into account the statistical data, we can surmise that…

En prenant en considération les données statistiques, on peut prévoir que...


The implications of this research are manifold. First, … is critical because…

Les implications de ce travail de recherche sont multiples. Premièrement, ...est crucial parce que...

Used to develop your ideas and give several conclusions of your results

The current study has practical implications as well. First, ...is intuitively appealing and is easily understood by strategists.

L'étude actuelle montre que l'étude a également des implications stratégiques. Premièrement, ...est très intéressant et facile à comprendre pour les stratèges.

Used to develop your ideas and give several conclusions of your results

Phrases: Academic | Graphs, Pictures and Diagrams (English-French)


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Graphs, Pictures and Diagrams: DescriptionThe graph shows that…started climbing steadily, peaking at…, and flattened out at a level of…

Le graphique montre que... a commencé à augmenter, atteignant... et se stabilisant à un niveau de...

Used when describing a trend in a graph

According to the diagram, the number of…rose sharply between…and…, before plunging back down to its original level.

Selon le diagramme, le nombre de...a augmenté considérablement entre...et..., avant de retomber à son niveau initial.

Used when describing a trend in a graph

The graphs show a plateau at the level of…

Le graphique montre un plateau au niveau de...

Used when a graph levels out

Within the picture is contained…

L'image contient...Used when describing a picture

The diagram depicts that there were more…than…between…and…

Le diagramme montre/indique qu'il y a eu plus de...que de...entre...et...

Used when describing the information in diagram

Graphs, Pictures and Diagrams: Interpretation

This diagram represents…and therefore shows that…

Le diagramme représente...et, par conséquent, montre que...

Used for deeper interpretation of a diagram and to explain it

The shape of the graph demonstrates that…

La forme du graphique démontre que...

Used for deeper interpretation of a graph and to explain it

There is a clearly defined pattern to the graph, and this can be taken to mean that…

Le graphique a une forme bien définie, et on peut interpréter cela comme...

Used for deeper interpretation of a graph and to explain it

The graph can thus be used to predict…

On peut ainsi prédire à travers le graphique...

Used when a future trend in a graph can be assumed

One can interpret the graph in several ways. Firstly it shows…

Le graphique peut être interprété de plusieurs façons. Tout d'abord, il montre que...

Used when there are several ways of explaining a graph

Graphs, Pictures and Diagrams : Legends

Figure…representing… Figure...représentant...Used as text below a diagram

Figure…showing… Figure...montrant...Used as text below a diagram

Diagram…examining… Diagramme...examinant... Used as text below a

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diagram

Diagram…depicting… Diagramme...indiquant...Used as text below a diagram

Phrases: Academic | Closing (English-French)


Closing: Summarizing

We opened this paper by noting…

Nous avons ouvert cette thèse en notant...

Used to begin a summary of the thesis

The foregoing discussion has attempted to…

L'analyse qui vient d'être réalisée avait pour but de...

Used to describe what you have tried to achieve in the thesis

The hypotheses were tested with data covering…

Les hypothèses furent testés avec des données couvrant...

Used to describe the data you used and how it aided your arguments

To sum up… Pour résumer...

Used as a general opening to describe what you have tried to achieve in the thesis

In summary, … En résumé...

Used as a general opening to describe the what you have tried to achieve in the thesis

Closing: Concluding

We feel that our study enhances academic understanding of the factors…

Nous sentons que notre étude améliore la compréhension académique des facteurs...

Used to give an overview of the thesis and to state the main outcome of the thesis

All in all… Globalement...Used to give a general assessment of the thesis

By and large… Dans l'ensemble...Used to give a general assessment of the thesis

…leads us to the conclusion that…

...nous mène à la conclusion que...

Used to give a definite conclusion with solid arguments to support it

The arguments given Les arguments abordés ci- Used to give a 78

above prove that… dessus prouvent que...definite conclusion with solid arguments to support it

We can see then, that… On peut alors voir que...

Used to give a definite conclusion after having written your supporting arguments

All of this points to the fact that…

Tout ceci indique que...

Used to give a definite conclusion after having written your supporting arguments

Understanding...can help reveal…

Comprendre...peut permettre de révéler...

Used to give evidence, which further supports your conclusion

On balance… En définitive...

Used to give an unbiased assessment of your findings

A number of restrictions of our study and areas for future research should be mentioned…

Un nombre de restrictions liées à notre étude devraient être mentionnées...

Comes in the conclusion of the thesis to acknowledge any limiting factors

Thus, our thesis is that there are a number of factors that…

Finalement, notre thèse démontre qu'il y a un certain nombre de facteurs qui...

Used to give a definite conclusion

Clearly, some of propositions that we have offered are not entirely unique…

Il est clair que certaines propositions qui ont été faites ne sont pas entièrement nouvelles...

Used to acknowledge borrowed ideas

However, we submit that the contribution of our paper rests on three areas…

Cependant, nous soumettons que la contribution de notre ouvrage repose sur trois secteurs...

Used to emphasize the main conclusions of the thesis

Our study serves as a window to an understanding of the process…

Notre étude est une fenêtre sur la compréhension du processus...

Used to express what the thesis aimed to explain

Phrases: Academic | Citation (English-French)


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Citation: Academic Citation

Author's surname, author's initials. (Year of publication). Title of book. Place of publication: name of publisher.

Nom de famille de l'auteur, initiales de l'auteur. (Année de publication). Titre du livre. Lieu de publication: nom de l'éditeur.

Harvard Style: a very common citation method for many types of academic papers, and the standard method used in the UK

Author's surname, Author's first name. Title of book. Place of publication: name of publisher, year of publication.

Nom de famille de l'auteur, Prénom de l'auteur. Titre de l'ouvrage. Lieu de publication: nom de l'éditeur, année de publication.

MLA Style: commonly used in the US and Canada for language, literature and media publications

Author's surname and initials. Title of book. # ed.[if not 1st] Place of publication: publisher's name; year of publication.

Nom de famille de l'auteur et ses initiales. Titre de l'ouvrage. # ed. Lieu de publication: nom de l'éditeur; année de publication.

Vancouver System: used for physical science and medicine papers

Phrases: Academic | Abbreviations (English-French)


Abbreviations: Academic Abbreviations

app. (appendix) annexeUsed when there are relevant files added to the work

approx. (approximately)approx. (approximativement)

Used when quantity is unknown

bibliog. (bibliography) biblio. (bibliographie) List of sources used

ca. (circa) env. (environ)Used when estimating a quantity

ch. (chapter) ch. (chapitre)A defined section of the work

col. (column) col. (colonne)The vertical part of a table

diss. (dissertation) diss. (dissertation)A complete work on a specific subject

ed. (edited by) éd. (édition)Used when the work has been altered by a third party

e.g. (exempli gratia) p. ex. (par exemple)Used when giving an example

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esp. (especially) spéc. (spécialement)Used when trying to define something more clearly

etc. (et cetera) etc. (et cetera)

Used when stating an infinite list, literally meaning 'and so forth'

fig. (figure) fig. (figure)A diagram that accompanies part of the work

i.e. (id est) c.-à-d. (c'est-à-dire)

Used when developing an idea, literally meaning 'therefore' or 'that is'

incl. (including) incl. (incluant)Used when adding something to a list

N.B. (nota bene) N.B. (nota bene)

Used when a person is required to take note of something important

p. (page) p. (page)Each individual side of paper in a manuscript

pp. (pages) pp. (pages)Several sides of paper in a manuscript

pref. (preface) préf. (préface)

A short paragraph that provides a background to a study

pub. (published by) éd. (édité par)Used to name the person who has published the work

rev. (revised by) rev. (revu par)

Used when the work has been altered slightly by someone to make it more relevant to the current audience

rpt. (reprint) réimp. (réimpression)Used when the work is not an original, but a direct copy

trans. (translated by) trad. (traduit par)

Used when the work has been translated into another language

vol. (volume) vol. (volume) Indicates a specific volume or section of

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work

Sample LettersParis le 22 octobre 2009

Salut Mehdi

Je t'écris pour te dire que je suis à Paris depuis une semaine. Ici, il fait un froid de canard et le soleil d'Agadir commence déjà à me manquer. Les études débutent bien et j'ai même fait la connaissance d'un nouvel ami qui s'appelle Julien. Il est très sympa.

Et toi comment vas-tu ? Tes études commencent-elles bien ? Et ta famille?

Réponds–moi vite!

À bientôt.Yassine

Hello MehdiI am writing to tell you I'm in Paris for a week. Here, it is freezing cold and the Agadir sun is already beginning to fail me. Studies begin well and I even met a new friend named Julien. It is very nice.And you how are you? Begin your studies well? And your family?Answer me quickly!See you soon.Yassine

Personal and Social Correspondence

Bordeaux, le 5 mars 2010

Madame Christiane Hamard,

5, Rue Lafayette

Bordeaux 17389

L’Hôtel de Nesle

11 Rue de Nesle

Paris 72300

Monsieur le Directeur,

Je voudrais passer une semaine à Paris, et je voudrais réserver une chambre avec bain et WC. Je compte être à Paris a partir du 11 mai jusqu'au 18 mai.

Ma fille de cinq ans m’accompagne. Je vous prie de me faire parvenir les tarifs pour ce séjour.

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Dans l’attente de vous lire, Je vous prie de recevoir Monsieur le Directeur, mes sentiments les plus distingués.

Madame Christiane Hamard

Bordeaux, March 5, 2010

Ms. Christiane Hamard,

5, Rue Lafayette

Bordeaux 17389

Hotel de Nesle

11 Rue de Nesle

Paris 72300

Sir,

I would spend a week in Paris, and I would like to book a room with bath and toilet. I expect to be in Paris from 11 May to 18 May

My five year old daughter with me. Please send me the rates for this trip.

Pending you read, I beg you to accept Sir, my most distinguished sentiments.

Ms. Christiane Hamard

Dear....

My name is Spea ,

I started learning French lately, and I thought it's a good idea to have some penpal friends who speak the language, that way I can practice what I learned in French, and make new friends at the same time.

Let me tell you more about myself, I'm 26 years old, I’m a young (1) American / British (2) male (3), I live in Washington/ London (4), I study languages (5), I work as a surgeon/ carpenter/ mechanic (6), English (7) is my native language, I have one brother (8), one sister (9), I have one son (10), one daughter (10), I live with my parents (11), I live by myself (12), I'm single (13), I’m married (14).

In my free time I like to listen to music (15), watch movies, documentaries... I like to travel and meet new people...and much more.

I want to learn French because I love it, I also want to learn it for my job/ my husband/ my wife (16)/ my sons (17), and above all I think it's a nice language.

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As you can see, I can already write in French, but I still need to improve, because my vocabulary is limited, and I also use a dictionary a lot.

I hope to receive a letter from you soon, with information about yourself and what you like to do ...I also hope that you can help me improve my level in French.

I think that's all for now, take care and have a nice!

Spea

The French Letter Example

Cher/ chère (to address a female we add an extra e)Je m'appelle Spea ,

j'ai commencé à apprendre le français il y a peu de temps, et je me suis dit que ce serait une bonne idée d'avoir un correspondant qui parle cette langue, ainsi je peux m'entraîner en français et me faire de nouveaux amis en même temps.Je me présente, j'ai 26 ans, je suis un jeune (1) homme (3) américain/ britannique (2), j'habite à Washington/ Londres (4), j'étudie les langues vivantes (5), je suis chirurgien/ charpentier/ mécanicien (6), l'anglais (7) est ma langue maternelle, j'ai un frère (8), une sœur (9), j'ai un fils (10), une fille (10), j'habite avec mes parents (11), j'habite seul (12), je suis célibataire (13), je suis marié (14).Durant mes loisirs, j'aime écouter la musique (15), regarder des films, des documentaires... J'aime voyager et rencontrer de nouvelles personnes...et bien plus encore.Je veux apprendre le français parce que j'adore ça, je veux aussi l'apprendre pour mon travail/ mon mari/ ma femme (16)/ mes fils (17), et surtout car je pense que c'est une langue magnifique.Comme vous pouvez le constater, je peux déjà écrire en français, mais je dois encore m'améliorer, car mon vocabulaire est limité, et aussi parce que j'utilise beaucoup le dictionnaire.J'espère recevoir une lettre de vous très bientôt, avec des informations sur vous et ce que vous aimez faire. J'espère aussi que vous pouvez m'aider à améliorer mon niveau en français.C'est à peu près tout pour le moment, à bientôt et bonne journée!Spea

Cover Letter ModelVéronique Tartampion 8, rue de la Farce21003 ParisTel : 01 00 00 00 00 ONEMBOCH

Recrutement Dpt JournalisteMme J. Bedos Ref : 64JS/journaliste bilingue Paris, le 2 avril 2000

Madame,

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Suite à votre annonce parue sur Internet, je vous propose ma candidature au poste de journaliste bilingue pour votre site Internet.

Journaliste depuis 6 ans, j'ai voyagé dans de nombreux pays (Chine, Etats-Unis, Espagne, Grande-Bretagne, Mexique) pour mon travail, avec une équipe de reporters photographes notamment, et pour mes loisirs. J'ai également étudié un an à Londres à l'occasion d'un programme d'échange ERASMUS. Habituée depuis l'enfance aux environnements multiculturels (ma mère est argentine), je suis sensible aux préoccupations des étrangers, qu'ils soient étudiants, travailleurs ou visiteurs dans mon pays. C'est pourquoi je fais partie d'un réseau de guide-hôtes pour étrangers à Paris. Une expérience très enrichissante !

Adepte de l'Internet depuis ses débuts en France et membre active de différents sites (A, B et C), je suis très motivée pour mettre à votre profit ma passion pour les nouvelles technologies de l'information. D'un naturel curieux et volontaire, je pense répondre aux qualités du candidat que vous recherchez.

Vous trouverez en pièces jointes quelques articles écrits lors mes reportages et qui attesteront de mes compétences rédactionnelles.

Je suis disponible dès aujourd'hui et reste à votre entière disposition pour aborder plus en détails mon expérience et mes compétences lors d'un entretien. Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.

SignatureVéronique Tartampion

Veronica tartampion8, rue de la Farce21003 ParisTel: 01 00 00 00 00 ONEMBOCH

Recruitment Dpt JournalistMs. J. Bedos Ref: 64JS/journaliste bilingual Paris, April 2, 2000

Madam,

Further to your advertisement on the Internet, I offer my candidature for the post of bilingual journalist for your website.Reporter for 6 years I have traveled in many countries (China, USA, Spain, Great Britain, Mexico) for my work with a team of photojournalists in particular, and for my hobbies. I also studied a year in London on the occasion of an exchange program ERASMUS. Accustomed since childhood to multicultural environments (my mother is Argentine), I am sensitive to the concerns of foreigners, be they students, workers or visitors in my country. That is why I am part of a network of guides for foreign guests in Paris. A very rewarding experience!Adept of the Internet since its beginnings in France and an active member of various sites (A, B and C), I am very motivated to make your profit my passion for new information technologies. From a naturally curious and willing, I think responding to the qualities of candidate you are looking for.You will find some articles as attachments in my writings and reports that attest to my writing

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skills.I am available today and is at your disposal to discuss in more detail my experience and skills in an interview. Please accept, Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration.

SignatureVeronica tartampion

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Documents

Writing Letters in French