What does it mean word for word?
The word is an adverb derived from the adjective 'cordial', meaning 'cordially' or 'warmly'.
Which one should you use?
Adding bien before cordialement makes the closing slightly warmer and more polite than using cordialement alone. Use cordialement for standard professional emails, but use the much longer Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées formula for highly formal paper letters or very high-stakes official correspondence.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While it translates to 'cordially', cordialement is the standard, neutral way to end professional emails and letters in modern French. For informal settings with friends and family members, you might use Bisous (Kisses or XOXO) or the warmer Gros bisous (Big kisses). Je vous prie d'agréer l'expression de mes salutations distinguées is a closing phrase used in very official or professional contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔʁ.djal.mɑ̃/
Did you know?
- In traditional French formal letters, the closing phrase must repeat the exact title used in the greeting. If you start with Monsieur le Directeur, you cannot simply use cordialement but must include Monsieur le Directeur within the longer closing formula.
- The word cordialement shares the same root as the English word 'heart', as it originally referred to things coming from the 'cor' or heart.
- The extremely formal closing Veuillez agréer… actually uses the verb agréer, which means 'to accept' or 'to approve'. You are literally asking the recipient to accept your distinguished salutations.
Examples in context
- Cordialement,Sincerely,
Example conversation
Chloé is asking Lucas for advice on a professional email.
- ChloéComment dois-je terminer ce mail professionnel ?How should I end this professional email?
- LucasTu peux simplement écrire cordialement.You can simply write sincerely.
- ChloéEst-ce que c'est assez poli pour lui ?Is it polite enough for him?
- LucasOui, c'est parfait pour un collègue.Yes, it's perfect for a colleague.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cordialement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cordialement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
