Writing a letter is an intimate and thoughtful way to communicate your thoughts and feelings. Whether you’re penning a letter to a friend, a family member, or a business associate, ending it with a sincere closing is essential. In French, there are several ways to express sincerity and bring your letter to a heartfelt close. This guide will provide you with both formal and informal options, along with regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive in and explore how to say “sincerely” in a French letter.
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Formal Ways to Say “Sincerely” in French
When composing a formal letter in French, it’s important to use a respectful and polite tone. Here are some phrases you can use as a substitute for “sincerely”:
1. “Veuillez agréer, Monsieur/Madame, l’expression de mes sentiments les plus respectueux.”
This phrase translates to “Please accept, Sir/Madam, the expression of my most respectful feelings.” It is an appropriate way to conclude a formal letter, particularly when you want to convey utmost respect and sincerity.
2. “Je vous prie d’agréer, Monsieur/Madame, mes salutations distinguées.”
This expression means “I beg you to accept, Sir/Madam, my distinguished greetings.” It is formal yet pleasant, and it demonstrates a certain level of esteem towards the recipient.
3. “Recevez, Monsieur/Madame, mes salutations respectueuses.”
Translated as “Receive, Sir/Madam, my respectful greetings,” this closing is a polite and conventional choice for formal letters when you wish to express sincere respect towards the addressee.
Informal Ways to Say “Sincerely” in French
Informal letters allow for a more relaxed and personal tone. The closings in an informal letter are often warmer and less formal. Here are a few ways to sign off your informal letters:
1. “Cordialement”
“Cordialement” translates to “Warmly” or “Kind regards.” It is a versatile and widely used closing that conveys sincerity in an informal manner without being overly formal. It is suitable for both casual friends and acquaintances.
2. “Bien amicalement”
“Bien amicalement” means “Warm regards” or “Very sincerely.” This closing is appropriate when writing to someone you have a closer relationship with, such as a close friend or a family member. It adds an extra touch of warmth to your letter.
3. “Je t’embrasse”
If you are writing a letter to a close friend or a loved one, “Je t’embrasse” is a lovely closing choice. It means “I embrace you,” and it expresses affection, care, and sincerity. However, it is important to reserve this closing for personal correspondence as it may seem inappropriate or overly affectionate in a more formal setting.
Regional Variations
Although French is spoken throughout France and various francophone countries, there may be some regional differences in how people sign off letters. Here are a few examples of such variations:
1. In Quebec, Canada:
In Quebec, it is common to end formal letters with “Je vous prie, Monsieur/Madame, de recevoir mes salutations distinguées.” This translates similarly to the formal closing used in France. However, in more informal contexts, “Sincèrement” or “Salutations cordiales” are popular options.
2. In French-speaking regions of Africa:
In certain French-speaking countries in Africa, such as Senegal or Ivory Coast, you may come across letters ending with “Bien à vous” or “Bien à toi.” These phrases can be roughly translated as “Yours sincerely” for formal letters or “Best regards” for informal letters.
Remember, when using any closing phrases, it’s crucial to consider the context, relationship, and formality of your letter. Always tailor your choice to match the level of familiarity and respect you wish to convey.
Final Thoughts
Ending your French letter with a sincere closing is an excellent way to leave a lasting impression on the recipient. Whether you’re writing a formal or an informal letter, having a wide range of phrases at your disposal allows you to convey your sincerity effectively. Remember to choose endings that align with the context and relationship you share with the addressee. So, whether it’s “Veuillez agréer, Monsieur/Madame, l’expression de mes sentiments les plus respectueux” or “Je t’embrasse,” let your closing words be a heartfelt reflection of your true feelings.
