mesdames
The English phrase 'ladies' is translated into French as mesdames.
The term mesdames is a formal way to address a group of women. While the English 'ladies' can sometimes be used in informal settings, mesdames maintains a high level of formal etiquette.
Which one should you use?
In French, if you are addressing young or unmarried women, you might use demoiselles. For an informal way to address a group of women, you can use les filles. If you want to use slang equivalent to 'gals' or 'chicks', you would use les nanas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mesdames is always plural. Its singular form is madame.
Did you know?
- The word mesdames is a direct contraction of mes (my) and dames (ladies). In its historical context, it literally translates to 'my ladies', reflecting a period of high courtly etiquette.
- If you are writing a very formal letter to several women, you should not use 'Chères mesdames' (Dear ladies). The standard professional way to start a letter is simply 'Mesdames,' without the adjective.
- In the royal courts of France, Mesdames was used as a title of honor for the daughters and sisters of the king.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir Mesdames et Messieurs !Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.This sentence shows how to use mesdames in a standard greeting to a mixed-gender group.Tatoeba #1598006 by sacredceltic, translation #1597893 by fanty
- Mesdames et Messieurs, bienvenue à bord.Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard.This sentence demonstrates a formal welcome using mesdames.Tatoeba #12185875 by Rovo, translation #32255 by Zifre
- Chers mesdames et messieurs, bienvenue à bord.Ladies and gentlemen, welcome on board.This sentence shows another way to use mesdames when welcoming people on board.Tatoeba #5814956 by nimfeo, translation #5821013 by PaulHat
- Les participants sont priés de s'asseoir, mesdames.The participants are requested to be seated, ladies.
- Bonjour, les filles, ça vous dit de prendre un café ?Hello, ladies, do you feel like having a coffee?
- Les nanas, vous venez au cinéma ce soir ?Gals, are you coming to the movies tonight?
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A waiter is addressing a group of women at a restaurant table.
- HugoBonjour mesdames, voici la carte.Hello ladies, here are the menus.
- ManonMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
- HugoSouhaitez-vous un apéritif, mesdames ?Would you ladies like an aperitif?
- ManonOui, avec plaisir.Yes, with pleasure.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mesdames, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
