veuillez noter
The French phrase for "please note" is veuillez noter.
Veuillez noter is a polite expression used to draw a reader's attention to a specific piece of important information. It is commonly used in written French to highlight important terms, conditions or changes in a professional context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the polite imperative of vouloir (to want) and the infinitive noter (to note).
Which one should you use?
While veuillez noter is a polite request, notez que is a more direct imperative used to draw attention to a fact.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Veuillez noter is formal and suitable for professional correspondence or official notices. Other formal options include S'il vous plaît, notez que… for "please note that", Je vous prie de noter que… for "I request that you note that", and Je tiens à souligner que… for "I would like to emphasize that".
How does it change in a sentence?
When introducing a subordinate clause, the phrase veuillez noter que is typically followed by the conjunction que.
Did you know?
- In French administrative writing, using veuillez is often seen as a way to maintain a professional distance. It is considered more elegant and less intrusive than using s'il vous plaît, which can sometimes sound too personal or pleading in a formal contract.
- The phrase veuillez noter belongs to a category of 'frozen' formal expressions where the verb vouloir is almost never used in the imperative in casual speech. You will find it in emails and brochures, but you will rarely hear it spoken aloud in a cafe.
- The word noter can imply 'to realize' or 'to observe' a fact. Because of this, using veuillez noter often functions more like 'please be aware' than a request to physically write something down.
Examples in context
- Veuillez noter que le prix est susceptible d'évoluer.Please note that the price is subject to change.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use veuillez noter to announce a price change.Tatoeba #4601802 by sacredceltic, translation #4601343 by sacredceltic
- Veuillez noter que la réunion est annulée.Please note that the meeting is cancelled.
- Veuillez noter nos nouvelles coordonnées.Please note our new contact details.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is sending an email to Gabriel about a change in schedule.
- EmmaVeuillez noter que le bureau sera fermé demain.Please note that the office will be closed tomorrow.
- GabrielD'accord, merci de l'information, Emma.Okay, thanks for the information, Emma.
- EmmaJe l'ai précisé dans le message précédent.I specified it in the previous message.
- GabrielJe vais le noter dans mon agenda.I will note it in my calendar.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
