je te tiens au courant
In French, "I will let you know" is translated as je te tiens au courant.
A phrase used to tell someone that you will give them new information as soon as you have it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je te tiens au courant literally translates to "I keep you in the current", where courant refers to a flow or stream of information.
Which one should you use?
The phrase je te tiens au courant implies an ongoing process of updates, whereas je te préviendrai (I will warn/notify you) implies a single, specific notification.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the present tense je te tiens au courant is commonly used to express a future intention, the literal future tense je te tiendrai au courant is also grammatically correct. Use je vous tiens au courant instead of je te tiens au courant when speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people.
Did you know?
- The word courant is also used to describe the 'electric current' in a house. This creates a mental link between staying updated and being 'plugged in' to a power source.
- In very formal French business correspondence, you might see Je ne manquerai pas de vous tenir informé. This is a more sophisticated way to say 'I will not fail to keep you informed'.
- The English word 'current' and the French courant both originate from the Latin verb 'currere', which means 'to run'.
Examples in context
- Je vous tiendrai informé(e) dès que j'aurai plus d'informations.I will let you know as soon as I have more information.
- Je vous ferai savoir dès que la décision sera prise.I will let you know once the decision is made.
- Je vous aviserai dès que les détails seront finalisés.I will let you know once the details are finalized.
- Ne t'inquiète pas, je te tiens au courant dès que j'en sais plus.Don't worry, I'll let you know as soon as I know more.
- Je te dirai dès que la décision est prise.I'll tell you once the decision is made.
- Je te tiens informé(e) de la situation.I'll keep you informed about the situation.
- Je te tiens au courant de la réponse.I will let you know the answer.
- Dès que je sais, je te tiens au courant.As soon as I know, I will let you know.
- Je te tiens au courant pour le dîner.I will let you know about dinner.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a potential weekend plan.
- HugoEst-ce que tu es libre samedi ?Are you free on Saturday?
- EmmaJe ne sais pas encore, mais je te tiens au courant.I don't know yet, but I will let you know.
- HugoD'accord, préviens-moi quand tu as une réponse.Okay, let me know when you have an answer.
- EmmaÇa marche, Hugo !That works, Hugo!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries courant, je, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
