Cordialement
standard, email
The standard way to sign off a French email is Cordialement. Bien cordialement is a little warmer, and Bien à vous fits colleagues you know.
Meaning: closing line of an email (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Cordialement | standard, email |
| Bien cordialement | slightly warmer |
| Bien à vous | warm |
Put the closing on its own line before your name. In business emails Cordialement is safe with almost everyone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a very formal letter or email, French uses a long closing such as Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées. For friends, À bientôt or Bises is more usual.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not build a long closing from English sincerely word for word. A short Cordialement is the natural choice.
Did you know?
- Cordialement comes from cordial and is the default closing in French business email.
Examples in context
- Cordialement, Marie DupontBest regards, Marie Dupont
- Bien cordialement, PaulKind regards, Paul
- Bien à vous, ClaireYours, Claire
Example conversation
Claire writes to her colleague Paul about a meeting and shows him how she ends the email.
- ClaireBonjour Paul, voici le compte rendu de la réunion.Hello Paul, here is the report of the meeting.
- PaulMerci Claire. Comment termines-tu ton e-mail ?Thanks Claire. How do you end your email?
- ClaireJe mets toujours « Cordialement ».I always put 'Cordialement'.
