aimable réponse
The phrase aimable réponse is the French way to say "kind reply".
This phrase refers to a polite and friendly response to a message or a letter.
What does it mean word for word?
The term aimable réponse is a literal translation of "kind reply", where aimable means "kind" or "amiable" and réponse means "reply" or "answer".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
aimable réponse is most commonly used in formal written correspondence, such as official letters or business emails.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because réponse is a feminine noun, the adjective aimable stays in its standard form. If you were to use a different adjective like gentil, you would need to change it to gentille to match the feminine gender of the noun.
Did you know?
- While aimable means 'kind', its root is the French verb aimer, meaning 'to love'. Literally, an aimable réponse is a 'lovable response'.
- In very formal French administration, the request for a 'kind reply' is often phrased as dans l'attente d'une réponse favorable, which literally means 'waiting for a favorable response'.
- In modern French emails, using aimable réponse can sometimes feel overly stiff or archaic, leading many professionals to use retour (return) to describe a reply instead.
Examples in context
- Je vous remercie de votre aimable réponse.I thank you for your kind reply.
- Elle a reçu une aimable réponse de l'hôtel.She received a kind reply from the hotel.
- L'aimable réponse de son client l'a réjoui.The client's kind reply made him happy.
Example conversation
Chloé is emailing Gabriel about a project.
- ChloéBonjour Gabriel, j'attends votre aimable réponse.Hello Gabriel, I am waiting for your kind reply.
- GabrielBonjour Chloé, je vous réponds tout de suite.Hello Chloé, I am answering you right away.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup pour votre rapidité.Thank you very much for your speed.
- GabrielJe vous en prie, c'est normal.You're welcome, it's normal.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aimable, réponse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
