Are you planning to visit a French-speaking country and need to know how to say “appointment” in French? In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express the concept of an appointment in French. Whether you’re attending a business meeting or trying to schedule a casual get-together, we’ve got you covered!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Appointment” in French
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language to convey professionalism. Here are a few formal terms you can use when discussing appointments in a more official context:
List of Formal Terms:
- Rendez-vous – This is the most common and versatile term for “appointment” in French. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. For example, “J’ai un rendez-vous avec mon client demain” means “I have an appointment with my client tomorrow.”
- Entretien – This term usually refers to an interview or a meeting with a professional purpose. It implies a one-on-one interaction for a specific purpose. For instance, “J’ai un entretien d’embauche” means “I have a job interview.”
- Reunion – While “réunion” may directly translate to “meeting,” it can also be used interchangeably for “appointment” in certain contexts. For example, “J’ai une réunion avec le médecin” means “I have an appointment with the doctor.”
Note: Remember that “rendez-vous” is the most widely used and versatile option. It can fit into various formal contexts, making it a go-to term for expressing the concept of an appointment.
Informal Ways to Say “Appointment” in French
In less formal settings, you can use a more casual tone to express the idea of an appointment. Here are a few informal expressions you can use:
List of Informal Expressions:
- Meeting – In a casual context, French speakers might borrow the English term “meeting” and pronounce it with a French accent: “mee-ting” (similar to the English pronunciation but with a slight French intonation).
- Rencard – This term is more commonly used among younger people. It generally refers to a romantic or casual meeting, like a date. For example, “On a un rencard ce soir” means “We have a date tonight.”
- RDV – Abbreviations are often used in informal conversations, especially when texting or chatting online. “RDV” is the shorthand form of “rendez-vous” and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For instance, “On se voit au RDV à 16h” means “See you at the appointment at 4 PM.”
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various countries, and there might be slight regional differences in terms used for “appointment.” However, the terms mentioned above are widely understood across most French-speaking regions. Whether you’re in France, Canada, Belgium, or Switzerland, you can confidently use these terms to convey the concept of an appointment.
Examples of Using “Appointment” in French
To give you a better understanding of how to use these terms in context, let’s explore a few examples:
Formal Examples:
- J’ai un rendez-vous chez le dentiste demain matin. – I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow morning.
- Le directeur a un entretien important cet après-midi. – The manager has an important interview this afternoon.
- La réunion avec les actionnaires est prévue pour la fin du mois. – The meeting with the shareholders is scheduled for the end of the month.
Informal Examples:
- Tu viens au meeting après le travail ? – Are you coming to the meeting after work?
- J’attends mon rencard dans ce café. – I’m waiting for my date in this café.
- J’ai mon RDV chez le coiffeur à 15h. – I have my appointment at the hairdresser’s at 3 PM.
Remember to adapt your choice of term to the level of formality required in each situation. Using the appropriate expression will not only showcase your grasp of the language but also help you navigate social and professional settings more effectively.
So, whether you have an important business meeting or a casual rendezvous planned, you now have a variety of options for expressing “appointment” in French. Enjoy your conversations, and bonne chance!
