Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rendez-vous | /ʁɑ̃.de.vu/ | |
| rencard | /ʁɑ̃.kaʁ/ | France, masculine, slang |
The term rendez-vous is a versatile way to express an arrangement for a meeting or an engagement. While English speakers use 'appointment' primarily for professional contexts, rendez-vous can refer to both professional meetings and romantic dates.
Which one should you use?
The term rendez-vous covers both professional appointments and romantic dates. In contrast, if you are specifically referring to a professional interview or a meeting with a professional purpose, the word entretien is often used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
rendez-vous is a common and versatile term suitable for formal settings. In contrast, rencard is a slang term that is much more informal. You may also see the shorthand RDV used in informal conversations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The slang term rencard is specific to France.
How does it change in a sentence?
rencard is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɑ̃.de.vu/
Did you know?
- The term rendez-vous is literally a command meaning 'present yourselves'. It comes from the imperative form of the verb se rendre, which means 'to go' or 'to betake oneself'.
- In French, the phrase avoir rendez-vous is used without an article, meaning you do not say 'have a meeting' but rather 'have meeting'.
- The slang term rencard is used primarily in France and would be considered unusual or foreign in Quebec.
Examples in context
- Tu as rendez-vous ?Do you have an appointment?This sentence uses rendez-vous to ask if someone has an appointment.Tatoeba #781139 by sacredceltic, translation #324736 by CK
- Tom avait un rendez-vous.Tom had an appointment.This sentence uses rendez-vous to state that Tom had an appointment.Tatoeba #5894690 by Aiji, translation #2645885 by CK
- J'ai un rendez-vous lundi.I have an appointment on Monday.This sentence uses rendez-vous to say that an appointment is scheduled for Monday.Tatoeba #6813934 by Micsmithel, translation #6810522 by CK
- J'ai un rendez-vous avec mon client demainI have an appointment with my client tomorrow.
- J'ai un entretien d'embaucheI have a job interview.
- On se voit au RDV à 16hSee you at the appointment at 4 PM.
- 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.
- J'ai mon RDV chez le coiffeur à 15h.I have my appointment at the hairdresser's at 3 PM.
- 121 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are talking about their schedules at a cafe.
- GabrielTu as un rendez-vous ce soir ?Do you have an appointment this evening?
- ManonNon, j'ai un rendez-vous demain matin.No, I have an appointment tomorrow morning.
- GabrielC'est un rendez-vous important ?Is it an important appointment?
- ManonOui, c'est un rendez-vous avec mon dentiste.Yes, it is an appointment with my dentist.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appointment” translations and entries rendez-vous, rencard, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rencard, rendez-vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
