pour info
The English phrase 'just so you know' can be translated into French as pour info.
This phrase is used to provide someone with a piece of information they might find useful. It often serves as a conversational filler or a way to introduce a non-essential but helpful piece of information.
What does it mean word for word?
pour info is a shortened version of pour votre information or pour ton information, literally meaning 'for info'.
Which one should you use?
While pour info is a shortened, colloquial version, the full phrase pour votre information is the more formal and polite way to convey the same meaning.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pour info is colloquial. It is most commonly used in informal written communication like emails, texts or Slack messages. In professional or more formal settings, you should use the full phrase pour votre information or the expression Je tenais à vous informer, which translates to 'I wanted to inform you'.
Did you know?
- While pour info is friendly, using the full pour votre information can sometimes sound passive-aggressive or overly cold in a French office, similar to how 'per my last email' is perceived in English.
- While information usually refers to official data, the clipped version info can be used as a standalone noun to describe a piece of gossip or a 'tip-off'.
- The word pour comes from the Latin prō, which originally meant 'in front of' or 'on behalf of'.
Examples in context
- Pour votre information, l'événement aura lieu demain matin.Just so you know, the event will take place tomorrow morning.
- Je tenais à vous informer que la réunion a été déplacée à lundi prochain.Just so you know, the meeting has been rescheduled for next Monday.
- Au fait, la soirée chez Tom est annulée.Just so you know, the party at Tom's is canceled.
- Je voulais te dire que le film commence à 20 heures.Just so you know, the movie starts at 8 PM.
- Pour info, le magasin est fermé aujourd'hui.Just so you know, the store is closed today.
- Il y a un contrôle de police, pour info.There is a police checkpoint, just so you know.
- Le train est en retard, pour info.The train is late, just so you know.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about their plans for the afternoon.
- NathanLe concert commence à vingt heures, pour info.The concert starts at 8 p.m., just so you know.
- ManonMerci, Nathan. Je vais préparer mes affaires.Thanks, Nathan. I'm going to get my things ready.
- NathanN'oublie pas ton manteau, il fait froid.Don't forget your coat, it's cold.
- ManonD'accord, je suis prête.Okay, I'm ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pour, CC BY-SA 4.0.
