how to end email in french

2 min read 12-01-2025

How to End an Email in French: A Guide to Professional and Casual Closings

Knowing how to properly end an email in French is crucial for making a good impression, whether you're writing to a colleague, a friend, or a potential client. The choice of closing depends heavily on your relationship with the recipient and the formality of the situation. This guide will walk you through various options, ensuring your emails always leave the right impression.

Formal Email Closings (Salutations Professionnelles)

For professional correspondence, maintaining a formal tone is essential. Here are some appropriate closings:

Cordialement: This is the most common and versatile formal closing, translating to "Sincerely" or "Kind regards." It's suitable for most professional emails, regardless of your prior relationship with the recipient.
Sincèrement: Meaning "Sincerely," this is a slightly more formal option than cordialement. It expresses a deeper sense of sincerity.
Respectueusement: Meaning "Respectfully," this is the most formal option and should be reserved for highly formal situations, such as correspondence with someone of high authority.
Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées: This extremely formal closing translates to "Please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my distinguished regards." It's rarely used today except in very formal settings.

Semi-Formal Email Closings (Salutations Semi-Professionnelles)

These closings strike a balance between formality and friendliness, ideal for situations where you have a working relationship but are not close friends with the recipient.

Cordialement, followed by your name. This is the most common semi-formal closing.
Bien cordialement: A slightly warmer variation of cordialement.
Meilleures salutations: This means "Best regards" and conveys a sense of friendliness without being overly casual.

Informal Email Closings (Salutations Amicales)

When emailing friends, family, or close colleagues, you can opt for a more casual closing.

Amitiés: This translates to "Best wishes" or "Warmly." It's appropriate for close friends and family.
Bisous: This means "Kisses" and is appropriate only for very close friends and family. Avoid this in professional contexts.
À bientôt: This means "See you soon" and is suitable if you expect to see the recipient soon.
À plus tard: This means "See you later" and is slightly less formal than à bientôt.

How to Properly Sign Off

After choosing your closing, remember to include your name:

Cordialement,
[Your Name]

Ensure there's a space between your closing and your name.

Which Closing to Choose?

The choice of closing depends entirely on the context:

Unknown Recipient: Start with cordialement. You can adjust later based on their response.
Professional Correspondence: Cordialement is usually a safe bet.
Close Colleagues/Friends: You have more flexibility; bien cordialement, meilleures salutations, or even informal closings might be suitable.

Mastering email closings demonstrates your understanding of French etiquette and professionalism. Choosing the right closing enhances your communication and leaves a positive lasting impression. Remember to always consider your audience and the context of your email.