rappel
/ʁa.pɛl/
The English phrase "reminder" can be translated into French as rappel.
rappel is the most common and general term used for a reminder in French. In specific contexts, other terms may be more appropriate, such as using notification for a formal reminder or notification or pense-bête for a reminder in everyday situations or when speaking with friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun rappel is derived from the verb rappeler, which literally means "to call back" or "to recall".
Which one should you use?
While rappel is the standard term, you might use the phrase petit rappel to gently remind someone of something in a friendly manner. For formal settings, notification is used to refer to a formal reminder.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun rappel is a masculine noun, meaning it is used with the indefinite article un or the definite article le.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁa.pɛl/
Did you know?
- The term rappel is used in rock climbing to describe an abseil. It refers to the descent down a cliff using a rope.
- In the context of medicine, a rappel refers to a booster shot. It is a 'reminder' dose that prompts the immune system to remember a virus.
- In the world of music and theater, a rappel is the French equivalent of an 'encore'. It is the request for a performer to return to the stage after they have finished.
Examples in context
- Merci pour le rappel.Thanks for the reminder.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for a rappel.Tatoeba #7028814 by Aiji, translation #4013557 by CK
- Un rappel de la bibliothèque est arrivé.A reminder from the library has arrived.This sentence shows how to describe receiving a rappel from a library.Tatoeba #8475179 by Aiji, translation #2799095 by AlanF_US
- J'ai besoin d'un rappel pour notre réunion demainI need a reminder for our meeting tomorrow
- Je vous envoie un mémo concernant les dates limitesI am sending you a reminder regarding the deadlines
- N'oublie pas ton pense-bête pour la liste des coursesDon't forget your reminder for the grocery list
- Juste un petit rappel que nous nous retrouvons ce soirJust a little reminder that we're meeting tonight
- Un avis pour rappeler que les inscriptions sont ouvertesA reminder that registrations are open
- J'ai envoyé un rappel par e-mail.I sent a reminder by email.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing an upcoming meeting.
- ChloéNathan, as-tu reçu mon rappel ?Nathan, did you receive my reminder?
- NathanOui, merci pour le rappel, Chloé.Yes, thanks for the reminder, Chloé.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu seras prêt pour la réunion ?Will you be ready for the meeting?
- NathanAbsolument, je serai à l'heure.Absolutely, I will be on time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rappel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
