je reviendrai vers vous
The English phrase "I will get back to you" is expressed in French as je reviendrai vers vous.
This phrase is used to inform someone that you will contact them again later, typically because you need time to find an answer or verify information. It is most commonly used in business correspondence, such as in emails or during phone calls.
What does it mean word for word?
The literal breakdown of je reviendrai vers vous is je (I), reviendrai (will return), vers (towards) and vous (you).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form je reviendrai vers vous is appropriate for professional or formal settings. If you are speaking to a friend, a peer or someone you address with tu, you should use the informal version je reviendrai vers toi.
Did you know?
- In very traditional French business etiquette, promising to 'come back' to someone can be seen as an open-ended commitment, whereas specifying a time is considered more professional.
- The French word vers is a direct cousin of the English word 'versus'. Both come from the Latin word for 'turned'.
- While je reviendrai vers vous is the standard corporate phrasing, using the word revenir (to return) in this way is a relatively modern evolution of business French.
Examples in context
- Je reviendrai vers vous dès que possible.I will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Je reviendrai vers vous avec une réponse demain.I will get back to you with an answer tomorrow.
- Je dois vérifier, donc je reviendrai vers vous.I need to check, so I will get back to you.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a project at work.
- NathanAvez-vousencore les chiffres pour le projet, Léa ?Do you still have the figures for the project, Léa?
- LéaJe dois vérifier mes notes d'abord.I need to check my notes first.
- NathanD'accord, quand pouvez-vous me les envoyer ?Okay, when can you send them to me?
- LéaJe reviendrai vers vous cet après-midi, Nathan.I will get back to you this afternoon, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, vers, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
