Meaning
To transmit a communication.
Cultural Background
The French are very fond of 'le petit message'. Adding 'petit' (small) before 'message' makes the request or contact feel less burdensome and more friendly. In Quebec, the term 'courriel' is strictly used for email to avoid the English 'email'. 'Envoyer un courriel' is the standard formal expression. In many Francophone African countries, 'envoyer un message' might be replaced by 'biper' (to beep). This refers to calling someone and hanging up before they answer so they see your missed call and 'message' you back. Belgians often use 'envoyer un SMS' specifically. The word 'GSM' is used for a mobile phone, so you might hear 'Envoyer un message sur mon GSM'.
The 'Petit' Trick
Always use 'un petit message' when asking for a favor. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and less demanding.
Future Tense Trap
Don't say 'envoierai'. It's 'enverrai'. This is a very common test question for French learners!
Meaning
To transmit a communication.
The 'Petit' Trick
Always use 'un petit message' when asking for a favor. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and less demanding.
Future Tense Trap
Don't say 'envoierai'. It's 'enverrai'. This is a very common test question for French learners!
Emoji Usage
French people use emojis similarly to English speakers, but be careful with the 'folded hands' emoji 🙏—it's often used for 'thank you' or 'please' more than 'prayer'.
Object Pronouns
Remember: 'Je t'envoie' (I send you), 'Je lui envoie' (I send him/her). The pronoun is your best friend here.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'envoyer' in the present tense.
J'_______ un message à mon frère tous les matins.
For 'Je', the verb 'envoyer' ends in -e and the 'y' changes to 'i'.
Which sentence uses the correct future tense?
Tomorrow, I will send you a message.
'Envoyer' has an irregular future stem: enverr-.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Tu as les clés ? B: Non, mais je vais ___________ à Pierre pour lui demander.
In French, you 'send' a message to ask for information.
Match the sentence to the context.
Le ministre a envoyé un message de paix.
This is a figurative use of the phrase, common in news and politics.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Envoyer vs. Dire
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJ'_______ un message à mon frère tous les matins.
For 'Je', the verb 'envoyer' ends in -e and the 'y' changes to 'i'.
Tomorrow, I will send you a message.
'Envoyer' has an irregular future stem: enverr-.
A: Tu as les clés ? B: Non, mais je vais ___________ à Pierre pour lui demander.
In French, you 'send' a message to ask for information.
Le ministre a envoyé un message de paix.
This is a figurative use of the phrase, common in news and politics.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the most common way to refer to any digital message, including WhatsApp, Messenger, or Signal.
'Texto' is more informal. 'Message' is safer in all situations.
French doesn't have a direct equivalent. Just use the present: 'Je t'envoie un message' (literally 'I send you a message').
'Missive' is very old-fashioned and formal, usually referring to a long, serious letter.
Yes, though 'envoyer un mail' is more concise.
Yes, you can 'envoyer un colis' (send a package).
It means to ask someone else to give a message to a third person.
Je t'envoie un message quand j'arrive.
It is masculine: UN message.
Yes, though 'laisser un mot' (leave a word) is more common for physical notes.
Related Phrases
répondre à un message
similarTo reply to a message
transmettre un message
specialized formTo relay a message
laisser un message
similarTo leave a message
recevoir un message
contrastTo receive a message
supprimer un message
builds onTo delete a message
