ravi d'avoir de tes nouvelles
The English phrase "nice to hear from you" is expressed in French as ravi d'avoir de tes nouvelles.
This is a friendly expression used to tell someone that you are happy they contacted you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "delighted to have your news".
Which one should you use?
The default form ravi d'avoir de tes nouvelles uses the informal tes (your), making it suitable for friends or family. To address someone you do not know well or to maintain a professional tone, you should use the formal vos nouvelles instead, as seen in the form ravi d'avoir de vos nouvelles.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person speaking is female, the adjective ravi must take an extra e to become ravie. When speaking in a formal or professional context, use vos nouvelles instead of tes nouvelles.
Did you know?
- The word ravi comes from the verb ravir, which can mean both 'to delight' and 'to seize by force' or 'to steal'.
- In French, you do not 'hear' news with your ears, but rather 'have' it. This is why the phrase uses the verb avoir (to have) to express the concept of receiving contact or updates.
- The phrase donner des nouvelles is the standard way to say 'to get in touch' or 'to let someone know how you are'.
Examples in context
- Bonjour Jean! Je suis ravi d'avoir de vos nouvelles. Comment allez-vous?Hello Jean! I am delighted to hear from you. How are you?
- Salut Julie! Content d'avoir de tes nouvelles. On se voit bientôt?Hey Julie! Happy to hear from you. Shall we meet soon?
- Je suis ravi d'avoir de tes nouvelles après tout ce temps.It is nice to hear from you after all this time.
- Salut ! Je suis ravi d'avoir de tes nouvelles.Hi! It's nice to hear from you.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are texting after several months of silence.
- LéaSalut Nathan ! Ça fait longtemps.Hi Nathan! It's been a long time.
- NathanSalut Léa, je suis ravi d'avoir de tes nouvelles.Hi Léa, it's nice to hear from you.
- LéaMerci ! Comment vas-tu ?Thanks! How are you doing?
- NathanJe vais très bien, et toi ?I'm doing very well, and you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ravi, tes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
