Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| cordialement | /kɔʁ.djal.mɑ̃/ |
| sincères salutations |
These phrases are used as polite formulaic endings to letters. Cordialement translates to 'Kind regards', while more formal correspondence may require longer, more traditional expressions. For very formal situations, you might see phrases like Veuillez agréer, Monsieur/Madame, l'expression de mes sentiments les plus distingués (Please accept, Sir/Madam, the expression of my highest regards) or Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur/Madame, l'expression de mes salutations respectueuses (I beg you to accept, Sir/Madam, the expression of my respectful greetings).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sincères salutations is composed of the adjective sincères (sincere) and the noun salutations (greetings).
Which one should you use?
Sincères salutations is more formal and traditional than cordialement and is better suited for formal correspondence. On the other end of the spectrum, Amicalement is an informal way to say 'Warm regards'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase sincères salutations, the adjective sincères must agree in gender and number with the plural noun salutations.
How do you pronounce it?
Cordialement is pronounced /kɔʁ.djal.mɑ̃/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The formal closing Veuillez agréer literally asks the recipient to 'agree to' or 'accept' the sentiments being sent, treating the greeting as a formal offering.
- In very formal French letters, it is a strict rule of etiquette to repeat the exact title used in the opening salutation, such as Monsieur le Directeur, inside the closing phrase.
- The word cordialement shares its roots with the English word 'cordial', which refers to things 'of the heart'.
Examples in context
- Merci beaucoup pour votre temps consacré à notre entretien téléphonique. Cordialement, Sophie.Thank you very much for your time during our phone interview. Kind regards, Sophie.
- Cordialement, Jean Dupont.Yours sincerely, Jean Dupont.
- Elle a terminé son email par cordialement.She finished her email with yours sincerely.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing a formal email Gabriel needs to send to a client.
- GabrielComment dois-je terminer cette lettre ?How should I end this letter?
- ChloéTu peux écrire cordialement, Gabriel.You can write yours sincerely, Gabriel.
- GabrielEst-ce assez professionnel pour elle ?Is it professional enough for her?
- ChloéOui, c'est parfait pour un client.Yes, it is perfect for a client.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yours sincerely” translations and entries cordialement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cordialement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
