rester en contact
The English phrase 'keep in touch' translates to French as rester en contact.
The phrase is used to express the idea of continuing to communicate with someone over time. You can also use donner des nouvelles when you specifically mean reaching out to someone to tell them how you are doing, rather than the broader concept of maintaining a continuous connection. For a more colloquial way to say 'let's keep each other informed', you can use On se tient au courant. To tell someone 'don't forget to give me news', you say N'oublie pas de me donner de tes nouvelles.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase rester en contact is composed of the verb rester (to stay) and the prepositional phrase en contact (in contact).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to specify who you are keeping in touch with, you must use the preposition avec after the phrase, forming rester en contact avec.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'keep in touch' in a very casual way among friends, you might say On se fait signe, which literally means 'we make a sign to each other'.
- The verb rester in this phrase shares a common ancestor with the English word 'rest', as both stem from the Latin 'restāre', meaning 'to stand still'.
- In French, the concept of 'giving news' (donner des nouvelles) often uses a partitive article, making it 'give some of your news' (donner de tes nouvelles).
Examples in context
- Veuillez rester en contact.Please keep in touch.This sentence demonstrates a polite way to ask someone to keep in touch.Tatoeba #1143988 by sacredceltic, translation #32682 by CK
- J'espère que nous pourrons rester en contact.I hope we will be able to keep in touch.This sentence expresses a hope to maintain communication in the future.Tatoeba #948216 by sacredceltic, translation #242052 by CC
- Je lis le journal quotidiennement afin de rester en contact avec ce qui se passe.I read the paper every day to keep in touch with what's going on.This sentence shows how to use the phrase to describe keeping in touch with current events.Tatoeba #3526794 by sacredceltic, translation #3524867 by adamtrousers
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are saying goodbye after a project.
- ManonC'était un plaisir de travailler avec toi, Nathan.It was a pleasure working with you, Nathan.
- NathanMoi aussi ! On essaie de rester en contact ?Me too! Shall we try to keep in touch?
- ManonOui, envoyons-nous des messages souvent.Yes, let's message each other often.
- NathanC'est entendu, à bientôt Manon !It's a deal, see you soon Manon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contact, en, rester, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
