Gaining proficiency in a foreign language opens doors to new cultural experiences and facilitates better communication with people from different backgrounds. If you are learning French, you’ll inevitably encounter situations where you need to express the idea of “let me know.” In this guide, we will explore various ways to convey this phrase in both formal and informal situations, while incorporating useful tips, examples, and regional variations whenever applicable.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
Formal settings often require polite and respectful language. In French, several phrases can be used to indicate “let me know” formally:
- Faites-moi savoir: This expression directly translates to “let me know” and is frequently used in formal written correspondences and emails. Example: “Si vous avez besoin de plus d’informations, faites-moi savoir.”
- Informez-moi: This phrase means “inform me” and can be used interchangeably with “let me know” in formal contexts. Example: “Veuillez informer l’équipe de votre décision finale.”
- Tenez-moi au courant: Literally meaning “keep me informed,” this expression is commonly used in formal conversations, especially in professional settings. Example: “Après avoir examiné votre demande, tenez-moi au courant de votre décision.”
Informal Expressions:
Social interactions, casual conversations, or informal emails call for more relaxed expressions when asking someone to “let you know.” Here are a few commonly used informal phrases:
- Dis-moi / Dites-moi: These expressions mean “tell me” and can be used when addressing friends, family, or colleagues in a less formal manner. Example (friends): “Si tu veux aller au cinéma demain, dis-moi.”
- Tiens-moi au jus: This colloquial phrase literally translates to “keep me in the juice” and is commonly used in spoken French to mean “keep me posted.” It is mostly used among friends or peers. Example: “On se retrouve à 19h, et tiens-moi au jus si tu as besoin d’aide pour les préparatifs.”
- Laisse-moi savoir / Laissez-moi savoir: Meaning “let me know” in a more relaxed manner, these expressions can be used informally in both written and spoken contexts. Example: “Si tu trouves des billets moins chers, laisse-moi savoir.”
Regional Variations:
French is spoken in various regions, and it’s interesting to note some regional variations when expressing “let me know.” While the above expressions are generally understood throughout the French-speaking world, there are a few regional differences worth mentioning:
In Quebecois French, “let me know” is often expressed as:
“Laisse-moi savoir” (informal) or “Faites-moi savoir” (formal)
However, within France, particularly in the south, the phrase is sometimes shortened:
“Tiens-moi au courant” (formal) or “Tiens-moi au jus” (informal)
Tips and Examples:
To help you understand and utilize these expressions more effectively, here are some additional tips and examples:
- Context is key: Consider the formality of the situation, relationship with the person, and the medium of communication before choosing an appropriate expression.
- Listen and observe: Pay attention to how native French speakers use these phrases in different situations to get a feel for their nuances and natural usage.
- Practice makes perfect: Experiment with these expressions during language exchanges, conversations with native speakers, or while writing to improve your confidence and fluency.
Examples:
Formal:
“Please let me know if there are any changes to the schedule.”
French: “Veuillez me faire savoir s’il y a des modifications dans l’emploi du temps.”
Informal:
“If you’re going to the party, let me know.”
French: “Si tu vas à la fête, dis-moi / laisse-moi savoir.”
Regional Variation:
“Keep me informed about the plan.”
Quebecois French: “Tiens-moi au courant du plan.”
Remember, the key to language learning is practice, so don’t hesitate to incorporate these expressions into your conversations and writing. Enjoy the process, and soon you’ll be confidently expressing “let me know” in various French-speaking contexts!
