How to Write a Letter in French: A Simple Guide - Talk in French (2024)

Writing letters can be stressful to a lot of people…. and even more so when you have to do it in French! Today we will make writing letters in French a lot easier with this simple guide on how to write a letter in French.

In this lesson, you'll learn the words, phrases, and expressions for starting and ending your letter plus tips and examples.

You get an extra lesson on how to write emails in French, too!

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To start writing a letter in French, you need the proper salutation and the correct title of the person you are writing to.

Salutations for French Personal Letters

For personal correspondence, you can choose between the following scenarios and salutations.

Salutations for French Formal Letters

For business letters, salutations are very formal and include the recipient’s title as needed. You may use the following salutations:

Just like the salutations, you will also need to use the correct closing at the end of your letter.

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Closing Expressions for French Personal letters

For personal letters to acquaintances or friends that still require a level of formality, you may end it using the following French email closings:

Please note that the translations are not exactly the same, but they more or less express the same thought.

For informal letters to close friends and family, you may be very liberal in showing your fondness to the person by using the following informal closing:

Take note that the above closing expressions are similar to saying "hugs and kisses" or "XOXO" in English. You simply cannot use it to close a letter to, let's say, your boss or the hiring manager in the job you're eyeing.

See also: French text slang and instant messaging shortcuts

Again, please take note that the above translations are more or less the equivalent expressions in English.

Chère Mademoiselle,

C’est avec plaisir que je vous écris. L’envie me prend soudainement de vous conter l’une de mes nombreuses aventures...

Je vous envoie mes bien amicales pensées. À bientôt !

Dear Miss,

It is with pleasure that I’m writing to you. The urge suddenly takes me to tell you of one of my many adventures …

Best wishes. See you soon!

Monsieur,

Je me permets de vous écrire concernant l’offre de poste...

Je vous prie d’agréer, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

Sir,

Allow me to write you about the job offer...

Please accept, sir, the expression of my highest consideration.

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• In writing formal letters, always use “vous” and never “tu”.
• For personal letters, you may use “tu” but only with people you are in tu terms with.
• A properly worded and formatted letter will make your content sound credible. So take note of the correct form.
• Write the return address at the top left of the page. Start with your name followed by your organization (for business letters) and then your address.
• The recipient’s address will be placed below it to the right side.
  
• Under it, place the town or city where the letter is being sent followed by the date.

See also: The ultimate guide to using tu vs. vous in French

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• Always start your email with a greeting such as "bonjour" or "bonsoir". Unlike letters, you don't need to use Cher / Chère, but if you know the person you're writing to and feel comfortable, go ahead and use it.
• You can say, "Bonjour monsieur /madame" when emailing someone you're not yet acquainted with.
  
• If you know the job title of the person you're writing to, you can include it in your salutation. For example,Monsieur le Directeur(Mr. Director) orMadame la Directrice (Madam Director).
• When emailing someone you are in informal terms with, you can simply start your email with "Salut + the name" followed by some pleasantries. For example: Salut, Marianne ! J'espère que tu vas bien (Hello, Marianne! I hope you're doing well.)
• Be mindful of the correct usage of tu and vous.

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Letter-writing is still a necessary skill despite the many new forms of communication available today. I hope this short guide will help solve your woes on how to write letters in French. Hopefully, you learned something about writing emails in French, too!

For the complete lesson on French letters including audio guides and exercises, grab your copy of My French Routine, a complete learning series that you could use to learn French independently from beginner level to advanced.

This particular lesson is part of the course Complete Advanced French Course. Check it out now on the Talk in French Store!