correspondance
/kɔ.ʁɛs.pɔ̃.dɑ̃s/feminine
In French, correspondence is said as correspondance.
The term correspondance refers to postal or other written communications. Depending on the context, you may see more specific variations: La correspondance postale is used in formal settings to specify traditional mail, while Les correspondances administratives refers specifically to official or administrative correspondence. In literary or highly formal contexts, one might use L'échange épistolaire to emphasize the written nature of the exchange. In everyday, informal conversation, people often refer to these exchanges as Les échanges de messages for texts and instant messages or simply Les lettres ou les mails.
Meaning: postal or other written communications (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
correspondance is a feminine noun and is typically used with the definite article la (e.g., la correspondance).
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ.ʁɛs.pɔ̃.dɑ̃s/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the English spelling 'correspondence' instead of the French correspondance.
When do people say it?
When writing informal messages, you can use greetings such as Bonjour, Salut or the more casual Coucou.
Did you know?
- In the context of travel, correspondance does not mean a letter, but rather a 'connection' or 'transfer' between two trains, buses, or planes.
- The poet Charles Baudelaire famously wrote a prose poem titled Correspondances, which argues that the physical world is a forest of symbols reflecting a deeper spiritual reality.
- The term correspondance traces its roots back to the Medieval Latin word 'correspondentia', which describes a reciprocal relationship or a matching between things.
Examples in context
- Nul ne sera l'objet d'immixtions arbitraires dans sa vie privée, sa famille, son domicile ou sa correspondance, ni d'atteintes à son honneur et à sa réputation. Toute personne a droit à la protection de la loi contre de telles immixtions ou de telles atteintes.No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.This sentence illustrates the use of correspondance in a legal context regarding privacy rights.Tatoeba #8423975 by marioo, translation #554696 by jakov
- L'entreprise prendra en compte votre correspondance dans les plus brefs délais.The company will address your correspondence as soon as possible.
- Les auteurs ont entretenu un échange épistolaire sur plusieurs années.The authors maintained a correspondence over several years.
- Veillez à bien suivre les règles établies pour les correspondances administratives.Make sure to follow the established rules for administrative correspondence.
- J'ai eu de bons échanges de messages avec mes amis pendant les vacances.I had good correspondence with my friends via messages during the vacation.
- On s'envoie souvent des mails pour garder le contact.We often send emails to keep in touch.
- J'ai reçu ton courrier hier. Que veux-tu que je fasse maintenant?I received your correspondence yesterday. What do you want me to do now?
- La correspondance postale reste importante malgré les avancées technologiques.Postal correspondence remains important despite technological advancements.
- Il a retrouvé une ancienne correspondance dans le grenier.He found some old correspondence in the attic.
- Elle gère toute la correspondance de l'entreprise.She manages all the company's correspondence.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are organizing old family documents at home.
- HugoTu as vu ma correspondance de l'époque de l'université ?Have you seen my correspondence from my university days?
- ChloéJe crois que je l'ai mise dans cette boîte.I think I put it in this box.
- HugoMerci, je vais la chercher tout de suite.Thanks, I will go look for it right away.
- ChloéDe rien, Hugo.You're welcome, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “correspondence” translations and entries correspondance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries correspondance, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
