à l'attention de
The English phrase "attention of" is translated into French as à l'attention de.
This phrase is used in formal correspondence, such as on envelopes or at the top of a letter, to indicate the specific person who should receive the document or package within an organization.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition à (to), the article l' (the), the noun attention (attention) and the preposition de (of).
Which one should you use?
It is important not to confuse à l'attention de with à l'intention de. While à l'attention de is used to direct a letter to a specific person, à l'intention de means that an action is being done for someone's benefit or in their honor.
Did you know?
- While attention means 'attention' in both languages, the French attention is also used as a standalone warning to mean 'Watch out!' or 'Danger!'
- Native French speakers frequently confuse à l'attention de with à l'intention de on envelopes, despite the two having different meanings.
- The preposition à in this phrase is the result of two different Latin prepositions, 'ad' and 'ab', merging together during the Old French period.
Examples in context
- Veuillez transmettre cette note à l'intention du département des ressources humaines.Please forward this note attention of the Human Resources department.
- C'est à l'attention de Monsieur Martin.It is to the attention of Mr. Martin.
- Veuillez écrire à l'attention de la directrice.Please write to the attention of the director.
- Le colis est à l'attention de Marie.The package is to the attention of Marie.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are preparing to send a professional letter.
- LéaEst-ce que c'est à l'attention de Gabriel ?Is it to the attention of Gabriel?
- GabrielNon, c'est à l'attention du directeur.No, it is to the attention of the director.
- LéaD'accord, je l'écris sur l'enveloppe.Okay, I am writing it on the envelope.
- GabrielMerci, Léa, c'est parfait.Thank you, Léa, it is perfect.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
