What does it mean word for word?
The phrase veuillez trouver ci-joint literally translates to 'please find attached'.
Which one should you use?
The form ci-joint is used when it appears before a noun, such as in ci-joint la facture. However, if the word follows the noun, it must agree in gender and number, such as in la facture ci-jointe.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Veuillez trouver ci-joint is a highly formal and standard way to direct a reader to an attachment in professional correspondence. Other formal options include Prière de trouver ci-joint and Je vous prie de bien vouloir trouver ci-joint, which means 'I kindly ask you to find attached'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word veuillez is the imperative form of the verb vouloir and is used here to express a polite request. When used as an adverbial phrase before a noun, ci-joint remains invariable and does not change for gender or number.
Did you know?
- The verb trouver may have roots in ancient fishing. It might derive from a technique of 'churning up' water to drive fish into nets, turning the act of 'finding' into a remnant of hunting terminology.
- Using veuillez trouver ci-joint in a casual email to a friend can backfire. In an informal setting, this phrase sounds so stiff and robotic that it might even come across as sarcastic.
- The phrase uses veuillez, which is the imperative of vouloir meaning 'to want'. Instead of asking the reader to 'look' or 'see', the French language politely asks the reader to 'be so kind as to want' to find the file.
Examples in context
- Veuillez trouver ci-joint le rapport demandé. Merci.Please find attached the requested report. Thank you.
- Prière de trouver ci-joint les documents requis pour votre examen.Please find attached the documents required for your review.
- Je vous prie de bien vouloir trouver ci-joint la facture correspondant à votre commande.I kindly ask you to find attached the invoice corresponding to your order.
- Veuillez trouver ci-joint mon CV.Please find my CV attached.
- Veuillez trouver ci-joint la facture demandée.Please find the requested invoice attached.
- Veuillez trouver ci-joint le rapport mensuel.Please find the monthly report attached.
Example conversation
Gabriel sends a formal email to Chloé with a contract.
- GabrielBonjour Chloé, veuillez trouver ci-joint le contrat signé.Hello Chloé, please find the signed contract attached.
- ChloéMerci Gabriel, j'ai bien reçu le document.Thank you Gabriel, I have received the document.
- GabrielParfait, je vous souhaite une bonne journée.Perfect, I wish you a good day.
- ChloéMerci, bonne journée à vous aussi.Thank you, have a good day too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trouver, CC BY-SA 4.0.
