Mastering the art of concluding a conversation or a written piece in French can be a challenging yet rewarding task. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding the various ways to end a discussion or a document is essential for effective communication. In this article, we will explore five common ways to conclude in French, providing you with the tools and confidence to express yourself like a native speaker.
Key Points
- Using au revoir as a formal way to bid farewell
- Employing à bientôt for a more informal goodbye
- Concluding with à plus tard for a casual see-you-later
- Utilizing je vous souhaite to express good wishes
- Ending with cordialement in formal written communication
Formal Farewells: Au Revoir
In formal situations, au revoir is the most common way to bid farewell in French. This phrase, which literally means “until we see each other again,” is used in both written and spoken communication. For example, if you’re leaving a business meeting or saying goodbye to a stranger, you can use au revoir to show respect and politeness.
Informal Goodbyes: À Bientôt
In informal settings, à bientôt is a popular way to say goodbye in French. This phrase, which means “see you soon,” is used among friends, family, or acquaintances. You can use à bientôt when parting ways with someone you expect to see again soon, such as a friend or a colleague.
| Formal/Informal | French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Au revoir | Until we see each other again |
| Informal | À bientôt | See you soon |
| Casual | À plus tard | See you later |
Casual Encounters: À Plus Tard
In casual situations, à plus tard is a common way to say goodbye in French. This phrase, which means “see you later,” is used among friends or in informal settings. You can use à plus tard when parting ways with someone you expect to see again later in the day or soon.
Expressing Good Wishes: Je Vous Souhaite
In French, je vous souhaite is a polite way to express good wishes when concluding a conversation or a written piece. This phrase, which means “I wish you,” can be used to express good luck, good health, or happiness. For example, you can say je vous souhaite une bonne journée (I wish you a good day) or je vous souhaite beaucoup de succès (I wish you lots of success).
Formal Written Communication: Cordialement
In formal written communication, such as emails or letters, cordialement is a common way to conclude in French. This phrase, which means “cordially” or “sincerely,” is used to express respect and politeness. You can use cordialement when writing to someone you don’t know well or in a professional setting.
In conclusion, mastering the various ways to end a conversation or a written piece in French is essential for effective communication. By using the phrases and expressions outlined in this article, you can express yourself like a native speaker and build strong relationships with French-speaking individuals. Remember to choose the right phrase for the situation, and don't hesitate to practice your French skills to become more confident and fluent.
What is the most formal way to say goodbye in French?
+The most formal way to say goodbye in French is au revoir, which means “until we see each other again.”
How do you express good wishes in French?
+You can express good wishes in French using the phrase je vous souhaite, which means “I wish you.” For example, you can say je vous souhaite une bonne journée (I wish you a good day) or je vous souhaite beaucoup de succès (I wish you lots of success).
What is the difference between à bientôt and à plus tard?
+À bientôt and à plus tard are both used to say goodbye in French, but they have slightly different meanings. À bientôt means “see you soon,” while à plus tard means “see you later.” Use à bientôt when you expect to see someone again soon, and à plus tard when you’re not sure when you’ll see them again.
