How to Say “Send” in French

Learning how to say “send” in French can be quite useful, whether you’re traveling to a French-speaking country, writing emails, or simply expanding your language skills. In this guide, we’ll explore different formal and informal ways to express “send” in French and provide you with a variety of tips and examples to enhance your understanding. So, let’s get started!

Formal Expressions:

When it comes to formal situations, you’ll often need to use more polite language. Here are a few ways to say “send” formally in French:

• “Envoyer”: This is the most common and widely-used translation for “send” in formal situations. For example:
  

  Veuillez envoyer le rapport à mon adresse email. (Please send the report to my email address.)

• “Transmettre”: This verb implies the notion of transmitting or relaying something. It is often used in more professional contexts. For example:
  

  Je vous prie de transmettre ces documents au département des ressources humaines. (I kindly request you to send these documents to the Human Resources department.)

• “Expédier”: Although more commonly used in the context of shipping or mailing physical items, “expédier” can also be used to convey the idea of sending something in a formal setting. For example:
  

  Nous vous prions d’expédier ces marchandises dès que possible. (We kindly ask you to send these goods as soon as possible.)

Informal Expressions:

In less formal situations, among friends, or when speaking to someone with whom you have a closer relationship, you can use more relaxed expressions to say “send.” Here are some informal ways to do so:

• “Envoyer”: This is the same word used for formal situations but with a more casual tone. It is widely used in various contexts. For example:
  

  Tu peux m’envoyer le lien par message ? (Can you send me the link through a message?)

• “Fil(e)r”: This informal verb is commonly used in spoken French as a colloquial way of saying “send.” For example:
  

  Fais-moi un mail et file-moi les photos. (Send me an email and pass me the photos.)

• “Balancer”: This slang word has become increasingly popular, especially among younger generations. It originated from “balance” meaning “to throw” and is now used interchangeably with “send” or “forward.” For example:
  

  Balance-moi les fichiers par Messenger. (Send me the files on Messenger.)

Common Phrases and Tips:

Here are a few additional phrases and tips to help you better understand how to use the word “send” in various contexts:

• Using Objects: In French, unlike English, the word “send” can be followed directly by the object being sent without a preposition. For instance:
  

  J’ai envoyé la lettre. (I sent the letter.)

• Formal Requests: In formal settings, it is common to use phrases such as “veuillez” (please) or “je vous prie de” (I kindly request you to) before the verb “envoyer.” These help convey politeness and respect. For example:
  

  Veuillez envoyer le rapport avant la fin de la semaine. (Please send the report before the end of the week.)

• Email Communication: In emails, it is common to use expressions like “merci d’avance” (thanks in advance) and “cordialement” (sincerely) to show appreciation and maintain a formal tone. For instance:
  

  Bonjour Sophie, Pourrais-tu m’envoyer les informations demandées ? Merci d’avance et cordialement, Jean. (Hello Sophie, Could you please send me the requested information? Thanks in advance and sincerely, Jean.)

By familiarizing yourself with these formal and informal ways of saying “send” in French, you’ll be able to navigate different situations with ease. Remember to pay attention to the context, the level of formality required, and the relationship you have with the person you’re speaking to or writing for.