How to End a Formal French Email: 'Cordialement' and Other Closings
Learn to close formal French emails correctly with Cordialement, Bien cordialement, and more. Understand register, regional differences, and common mistakes.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In French formal correspondence, the closing formula (formule de politesse) is not optional: it signals respect and professionalism. Unlike English, where 'Best' or 'Thanks' can end an email, French requires a conventional phrase followed by your name. This lesson focuses exclusively on email closings. You will learn the most common formulas, their level of formality, and how to avoid mistakes that can make you sound too casual or overly stiff.
By the end, you can…
- choose an appropriate formal closing for a French email based on the recipient and context.
- write a complete email ending with a closing formula and my name in the correct order.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Cordialement
Sincerely / Best regards
kor-dyal-MAHN
The standard, safe closing for most professional emails. Use with colleagues, clients, or anyone you address with 'vous'.
Bien cordialement
Best regards / Kind regards
byan kor-dyal-MAHN
Slightly warmer than 'Cordialement', but still professional. Common when you have had some positive interaction.
Cordialement vôtre
Yours sincerely
kor-dyal-MAHN VOH-truh
More formal and slightly old-fashioned; used in very formal letters or when you want to emphasize respect.
Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, mes salutations distinguées.
Yours faithfully, Madam.
zhuh voo pree da-gray-AY, ma-DAM, may sa-lu-ta-syon dis-tan-GAY
Extremely formal, for official letters or when writing to someone you have never met. Use 'Monsieur' instead of 'Madame' if appropriate.
Bonne journée
Have a good day
bon zhoor-NAY
Can be added after the closing formula, but is less formal. Often used in internal emails or when you know the recipient well.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Most formal closings follow a simple pattern: a closing phrase on its own line, then your first name (and sometimes last name) on the next line. For example: Cordialement, Marie Dupont If you use a longer formula like 'Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, mes salutations distinguées.', it already includes the title, so you do not add 'Madame' again. The phrase is complete. For 'Cordialement', you can optionally add the recipient's title before your name? No, that is not standard. Just the closing and your name.
When to use it
Choose your closing based on the recipient and the purpose. 'Cordialement' is the default for almost any professional email. Use 'Bien cordialement' if you have met the person or had a friendly exchange. Use the long 'Je vous prie d'agréer...' only for very formal contexts, such as a cover letter or a letter to a government official. In Quebec, 'Cordialement' is also common, but you may see 'Salutations distinguées' more often in formal letters. Avoid 'Bisous' or 'Bises' unless you are writing to a close friend or family member; they are inappropriate in professional settings.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, je vous envoie le rapport demandé. Cordialement, Paul.
Hello, I am sending you the requested report. Best regards, Paul.bon-ZHOOR, zhuh voo zan-vwa luh ra-POR duh-mahn-DAY. kor-dyal-MAHN, POL.Merci Paul. Je vais le lire. Bien cordialement, Sophie.
Thank you Paul. I will read it. Best regards, Sophie.mer-SEE POL. zhuh vay luh leer. byan kor-dyal-MAHN, so-FEE.Parfait. N'hésitez pas à me contacter si besoin. Cordialement, Paul.
Perfect. Do not hesitate to contact me if needed. Best regards, Paul.par-FAY. nay-zee-tay pah ah muh kon-tak-tay see buh-ZWAN. kor-dyal-MAHN, POL.Je n'y manquerai pas. Bonne journée. Sophie.
I will not fail to. Have a good day. Sophie.zhuh nee mahn-kuh-RAY pah. bon zhoor-NAY. so-FEE.A little context goes a long way
In France, the closing formula is a key marker of politeness. Omitting it can seem abrupt or rude. However, in internal emails between colleagues who know each other well, a simple 'Cordialement' or even 'Merci' may suffice. In Quebec, formal emails often use 'Cordialement' as well, but you might also see 'Salutations distinguées' in very formal contexts. Always match the level of formality to your relationship with the recipient.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Sincèrement' as a direct translation of 'Sincerely'.
Try this instead: 'Sincèrement' is not used as an email closing in French. It means 'sincerely' in the sense of 'honestly', but it is not a standard formula. Use 'Cordialement' instead. For example, write 'Cordialement, Marie' not 'Sincèrement, Marie'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You are writing a formal email to a client you have never met. Which closing is most appropriate?
Show a sample answer
Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, mes salutations distinguées.
This is the most formal closing, suitable for someone you do not know. 'Cordialement' would also be acceptable, but the long formula shows extra respect.
2How would you close an email to a colleague you work with regularly?
Show a sample answer
Cordialement,
'Cordialement' is the standard, safe choice for professional emails. 'Bien cordialement' is also fine if you have a friendly relationship.
3What is wrong with ending an email with 'Sincèrement'?
Show a sample answer
'Sincèrement' is not a standard French email closing; it is a literal translation from English.
In French, 'Sincèrement' is not used as a closing formula. Use 'Cordialement' or another appropriate phrase instead.
For most formal French emails, 'Cordialement' is the safest closing. Use longer formulas only for very formal contexts, and always place your name on the next line.
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