Greeting and saying goodbye are crucial elements of any language. When it comes to the phrase “speak soon,” it conveys a sense of anticipation and a desire to continue a conversation in the near future. In French, there are both formal and informal ways to express this sentiment, depending on the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Let’s explore the various ways to say “speak soon” in French, including tips, examples, and even some regional variations.
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1. Formal Ways to Say “Speak Soon” in French
When addressing someone in a formal setting or someone you’re not very close to, it’s important to use the appropriate level of language. Here are some phrases you can use to express the idea of speaking soon in a formal manner:
a) À bientôt
À bientôt is a widely-used and versatile phrase in French that translates to “see you soon” or “speak soon.” It is suitable for formal and informal situations and can be used in both written and spoken communication. Here’s an example:
Formal: Bonjour Monsieur/Madame. Merci pour votre temps. À bientôt.
Translation: Hello Sir/Madam. Thank you for your time. Speak soon.
b) Au plaisir de vous parler bientôt
This longer expression, meaning “looking forward to speaking to you soon” is a formal and polite way to convey the same sentiment. It is commonly used in professional settings or when addressing someone with whom you are not familiar. Here’s an example:
Formal: Cher Monsieur/Dear Madame. Je reste à votre disposition pour toute question. Au plaisir de vous parler bientôt.
Translation: Dear Sir/Dear Madame. I remain at your disposal for any questions. Looking forward to speaking to you soon.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Speak Soon” in French
When you’re speaking to friends, family, or colleagues in a casual setting, you can use more relaxed and friendly expressions to say “speak soon.” Here are a few common informal phrases:
a) À tout à l’heure
This colloquial phrase, meaning “see you in a little while” or “talk to you soon” is often used between friends or people who know each other well. It implies that you expect to see or hear from the person relatively soon. Here’s an example:
Informal: Salut Sarah, à tout à l’heure. On se retrouve à la pause déjeuner.
Translation: Hi Sarah, speak soon. Let’s meet at lunch break.
b) On se parle bientôt
This simple phrase literally translates to “we’ll talk soon” and is commonly used among friends and informal acquaintances. It’s a straightforward way to express the desire to continue a conversation soon. Here’s an example:
Informal: Salut Pierre, bonnes vacances ! On se parle bientôt pour organiser notre prochaine sortie.
Translation: Hey Pierre, have a great vacation! We’ll talk soon to organize our next outing.
Regional Variations
French is spoken in many countries, each with its own unique variations and idiomatic expressions. While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood across French-speaking regions, it’s worth highlighting a few regional variations:
a) Québec (Canada)
In Quebec, the commonly used phrase to say “speak soon” is “à tantôt.” This expression integrates the local accent and vocabulary of Quebec French. Here’s an example:
Regional: Salut Mathieu, à tantôt. On se voit au party de ce soir !
Translation: Hey Mathieu, speak soon. See you at the party tonight!
b) France (Informal Variation)
In some informal settings in France, particularly among younger generations, you may hear the phrase “à plus” or “à plus tard.” These expressions are widely used to mean “see you soon” or “talk to you later.” Here’s an example:
Regional: Salut Émilie, à plus tard. On se retrouve devant la piscine !
Translation: Hi Émilie, speak soon. Let’s meet in front of the pool!
Tips for Using these Phrases
Now that you’ve learned different ways to say “speak soon” in French, here are a few tips to keep in mind when using these phrases:
- Consider the context and relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Use formal expressions in formal settings, and informal ones with friends or acquaintances.
- Pay attention to the level of formality in your written and spoken communication. For professional emails or letters, stick to more formal expressions.
- Practice the pronunciation of these phrases to ensure you convey your message clearly and respectfully.
- Be aware of any regional variations if you’re traveling or communicating with people from specific French-speaking regions.
- Remember that gestures and facial expressions can also supplement your spoken words, making your communication more engaging.
Learning how to say “speak soon” in different contexts and regions is an excellent way to expand your French language skills and connect with people on a more personal level. So, whether you’re conversing in a formal or informal setting, you now have a variety of phrases to choose from to express your desire to continue the conversation soon. Happy talking!
