dans l'attente de votre réponse
In French, the phrase "we look forward to hearing from you" is expressed as dans l'attente de votre réponse.
This phrase is used as a polite closing in formal letters or emails to indicate that the writer expects a reply. It is typically used as a standalone closing sentence placed just before a formal salutation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "in the expectation of your response".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form dans l'attente de votre réponse is used for formal correspondence. For a slightly more elegant formal alternative, you can use Dans l'attente de vous lire, which means "Looking forward to reading from you". In informal situations, you might use On a hâte d'avoir de tes nouvelles (We can't wait to hear from you) or Nous sommes impatients d'avoir de tes nouvelles (We are eager to hear from you).
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English phrase which uses a verb, dans l'attente de votre réponse is a noun-based construction.
Did you know?
- In formal French correspondence, you do not typically end with a single sentence like 'dans l'attente de votre réponse'. Instead, you must follow it with a long, elaborate formula of respect, such as je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.
- The informal phrase On a hâte shares a linguistic root with the concept of hurrying, which is why using it in a professional setting can make the writer seem impatient or emotional.
- The word réponse is a 'semi-learned' word, meaning it was borrowed directly from Latin into French through scholarly or legal use rather than evolving naturally through common speech.
Examples in context
- Cher Monsieur Dupont, nous attendons de vos nouvelles avec impatience concernant notre réunion la semaine prochaine.Dear Mr. Dupont, we look forward to hearing from you regarding our meeting next week.
- Madame Durand, nous espérons recevoir de vos nouvelles bientôt concernant notre proposition commerciale.Ms. Durand, we hope to hear from you soon regarding our business proposal.
- Salut Marie, on a hâte d'avoir de tes nouvelles et de te revoir lors de notre prochaine soirée.Hi Marie, we can't wait to hear from you and see you at our next gathering.
- Salut Hugo, nous sommes impatients d'avoir de tes nouvelles sur tes projets de voyage.Hey Hugo, we are eager to hear from you about your travel plans.
- Nous sommes dans l'attente de votre réponse concernant le contrat.We look forward to hearing from you regarding the contract.
Example conversation
Emma sends a formal inquiry to Nathan regarding a job application.
- EmmaBonjour, j'aimerais postuler pour le poste.Hello, I would like to apply for the position.
- NathanTrès bien, merci pour votre candidature.Very well, thank you for your application.
- EmmaJe reste dans l'attente de votre réponse.I look forward to hearing from you.
- NathanNous vous contacterons très bientôt.We will contact you very soon.
