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B1 adverb 13 min read

cordialement

Examples
Explanation cordialement in your Level:
At the absolute beginner level, you simply need to memorize the word cordialement as a vocabulary item that means 'best regards' or 'sincerely'. When you start learning how to write basic emails or letters in French, this is the magic word you put at the very end, just before you type your name. It is a fixed expression for you right now. Do not worry about its grammatical function as an adverb or its historical origins. Just know that if you write an email to a hotel in Paris to book a room, you should end the email with this word. It shows that you are polite and understand basic French etiquette. Imagine it as a polite wave goodbye at the end of a message. It is important to note that you should not use this word when writing a postcard to your family back home; it is strictly for formal or business situations, like talking to a teacher, a shop owner, or a hotel receptionist. As you build your basic vocabulary, recognizing this word will also help you understand when a formal email you receive has come to an end.
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As an A2 learner, you are beginning to understand the structure of the French language a bit more. You now know that words ending in '-ment' are usually adverbs, similar to words ending in '-ly' in English. Therefore, cordialement translates literally to 'cordially'. You should continue using it as your standard sign-off for any professional or semi-formal emails. However, you can now start to recognize its use within simple sentences. For example, if you want to say 'He welcomed me cordially', you can say 'Il m'a accueilli cordialement'. You are also learning that there are variations. If you want to be a little bit warmer in your email to a colleague you talk to often, you can write 'Bien cordialement', which means 'Very cordially' or 'Warm regards'. This small addition shows that you are developing a better feel for the subtle tones in French communication. Remember the golden rule: never use it with your close friends or family, as it will sound very strange and cold to them. Keep it for your professional and administrative correspondence.
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At the B1 intermediate level, your understanding of social registers in French must become more nuanced, and your use of the word cordialement reflects this. You are no longer just memorizing a sign-off; you are actively choosing it over other options based on the context. You understand that French workplace communication relies heavily on this specific adverb. You should know the difference between 'Cordialement' (neutral, standard), 'Bien cordialement' (slightly warmer, good for regular contacts), and 'Très cordialement' (very warm, but still professional). You also recognize that in spoken French, it can be used to describe the manner in which an action was performed, such as 'Ils ont discuté cordialement' (They discussed cordially). You are aware that it is invariable, meaning it never takes an 's' for plural or an 'e' for feminine. Furthermore, you know that if you are writing a highly formal letter, such as a cover letter for a job application, you must graduate from this simple adverb and use the complex 'formules de politesse' (e.g., 'Je vous prie d'agréer...'). Mastering this word at B1 means mastering the boundaries of professional distance.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, you are expected to operate comfortably in a Francophone professional environment, which means your use of cordialement must be instinctive and flawless. You understand the sociolinguistic implications of the word. You know that receiving an email from a usually friendly colleague that ends abruptly with just 'Cordialement' instead of their usual 'Bien à toi' or 'Amicalement' might signal that they are annoyed or that the email is strictly official. You can use it effortlessly to modify verbs in complex sentences, such as 'Nous vous invitons cordialement à participer à notre séminaire'. You are also capable of discussing the tone of an interaction, describing a meeting between rival departments as having proceeded 'cordialement, mais sans véritable chaleur' (cordially, but without real warmth). You understand that the word creates a safe, neutral space in corporate communication, preventing misunderstandings that could arise from being too familiar or too cold. You are fully aware of its etymology, linking it to the adjective 'cordial' and the noun 'cœur' (heart), even though its modern usage has largely stripped it of deep emotional resonance in favor of standardized politeness.
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At the C1 advanced level, your grasp of cordialement involves a deep analytical understanding of French epistolary norms and cultural psychology. You can discuss how the evolution of digital communication has democratized and shortened traditional French polite formulas, elevating this single adverb to a position of absolute dominance in the modern workplace. You recognize the subtle power dynamics at play; for instance, a superior might simply write 'Cordialement', while a subordinate might feel compelled to write 'Bien cordialement' or 'Respectueusement' to show deference. You can manipulate the word for rhetorical effect in writing, perhaps using it ironically to highlight the contrast between a polite sign-off and a sharply critical email body. You are entirely comfortable with its use in literature and journalism, understanding when a reporter uses it to describe a diplomatic encounter to imply that the meeting was correct but lacked genuine alliance. You can articulate the paradox that a word derived from the heart has become the ultimate linguistic tool for maintaining professional emotional distance.
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At the C2 mastery level, you possess a native-like intuition for the microscopic nuances of cordialement. You can engage in sociolinguistic debates about the impoverishment of French letter-writing traditions due to the ubiquitousness of this adverb in the email era. You understand how it functions almost as a punctuation mark in corporate syntax rather than a word with semantic weight. You are sensitive to the micro-aggressions possible in French corporate culture, where omitting the word entirely or downgrading from 'Bien cordialement' to 'Cordialement' can be a deliberate, calculated slight. You can seamlessly transition between using it as a standard sign-off, a descriptive adverb in a complex literary narrative, and a subject of linguistic analysis. You appreciate the historical trajectory of the word, from its passionate, heartfelt origins in older French literature to its current status as the sanitized, standardized lubricant of globalized Francophone business communication. Your usage is perfectly calibrated to the exact degree of hierarchy, familiarity, and tension in any given interaction.
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Examples
The French word cordialement is a highly frequent and essential adverb that English speakers must master to navigate the Francophone world, particularly in professional and formal environments. At its core, the term translates to cordially, warmly, or sincerely, but its practical application is much more nuanced and culturally specific than its English counterparts. Historically derived from the Latin word cor, meaning heart, the original sense of the word implied a genuine, heartfelt warmth and deep emotional sincerity. However, in contemporary French, especially within the context of written correspondence, the term has evolved into a standard, somewhat sanitized polite sign-off. When you receive an email ending with this word, the sender is not necessarily expressing deep emotional affection; rather, they are adhering to established social conventions of politeness.

Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées, et je vous remercie cordialement.

Understanding when to deploy this adverb requires an awareness of the French formality scale. In the workplace, it is the absolute standard for closing emails with colleagues you do not know intimately, clients, vendors, and external partners. It strikes a delicate balance: it is less stiff and archaic than the traditional lengthy epistolary formulas, yet it maintains a respectful distance that prevents the communication from becoming overly familiar.
Professional Email Sign-off
It is used as a standalone closing before the signature, equivalent to Best regards or Sincerely.
Beyond the standard standalone use, you will frequently encounter variations that slightly alter the temperature of the closing. Adding modifiers can either increase the warmth or emphasize the formality.

Nous vous invitons cordialement à notre événement annuel.

In spoken French, while less common than in writing, the word retains more of its original meaning of genuine warmth. If someone welcomes you cordially to their home or event, they are expressing a sincere, polite hospitality.
Spoken Hospitality
Used to describe a warm reception or greeting, often in formal or official capacities.
It is fascinating to observe how a word rooted in the concept of the heart has become the ultimate symbol of office neutrality. This dichotomy is a perfect example of how language evolves to meet the needs of modern communication. In the fast-paced world of corporate emails, people needed a quick, reliable way to end a message politely without typing out a full sentence about distinguished salutations.

Le directeur vous salue bien cordialement.

Furthermore, the placement of the word can shift its nuance. When used as an adverb modifying a verb, such as welcoming someone or thanking someone, it amplifies the polite intention behind the action.
Modifying Verbs
When placed after verbs like remercier or inviter, it adds a layer of formal sincerity.

Ils se sont serré la main cordialement après la réunion.

Je vous adresse mes salutations les plus cordialement exprimées.

Ultimately, mastering this word is a rite of passage for any language learner aiming to integrate into French professional life. It signals that you understand the unspoken rules of engagement, that you respect the boundaries of professional relationships, and that you are capable of communicating with the appropriate level of decorum and politeness expected in Francophone cultures.
The syntactic application of the word cordialement is generally straightforward, but its placement and the words it pairs with can significantly alter the tone of your sentence. As an adverb, its primary function is to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing a qualitative description of how an action is performed. In its most ubiquitous form, it stands completely alone at the bottom of an electronic message.

Veuillez trouver le document ci-joint. Cordialement, Jean Dupont.

When used in this solitary manner, it functions almost like an interjection or a fixed formula rather than a traditional adverb modifying a specific verb within a clause. However, when integrated into full sentences, its adverbial nature becomes much more apparent. It typically follows the conjugated verb in simple tenses, or the past participle in compound tenses, adhering to standard French adverbial placement rules.
Placement with Simple Verbs
The adverb is placed immediately after the conjugated verb to describe the manner of the action.

Elle m'a salué très cordialement lorsqu'elle est entrée.

Let us explore the variations used in correspondence. The standalone use is standard, but you can tailor the degree of warmth. Bien cordialement translates roughly to very truly yours or warm regards, and is often used when you have a slightly closer working relationship with the recipient or wish to project a more affable persona.
Intensified Variations
Using words like bien or très before the adverb softens the formality and adds a layer of approachability.

Je vous remercie pour votre aide précieuse. Bien cordialement.

Conversely, in highly formal invitations or official announcements, the adverb is embedded within a formal sentence structure. For instance, when a company invites stakeholders to an event, the phrasing must reflect corporate dignity.

Le comité de direction vous invite cordialement au gala de charité.

Another common usage is in the context of agreement or mutual understanding. If two parties reach a consensus amicably, you might describe their interaction using this adverb.
Describing Interactions
It can be used to characterize a meeting, a discussion, or a negotiation that proceeded without hostility.

Les deux parties ont échangé cordialement avant de signer le contrat.

It is important to remember that as an adverb ending in -ment, it is invariable. It does not change form to agree with gender or number, unlike adjectives. This makes it grammatically simple to deploy, provided you place it correctly within the syntax of the sentence. Whether you are writing a quick email to a colleague, drafting a formal invitation, or describing a polite encounter, mastering the placement and context of this word will significantly elevate your French proficiency.
While the adverb cordialement is overwhelmingly associated with written communication, its presence in spoken French and various other contexts is significant and worth exploring for a comprehensive understanding of the language. If you are learning French with the goal of working in a Francophone environment, this word will become part of your daily visual landscape. You will see it dozens of times a day in your inbox. Every email from Human Resources, every update from the IT department, and every message from a client will likely conclude with this ubiquitous sign-off.

Merci de traiter ce dossier en urgence. Cordialement.

However, stepping away from the computer screen, where do you actually hear this word spoken aloud? It is relatively rare to hear someone say this word as a farewell in casual conversation. You would not say it to a barista as you leave a café, nor would you say it to a friend after a dinner party.
Public Speaking and Speeches
It frequently appears in formal addresses, welcome speeches, and public announcements.

Je vous souhaite cordialement la bienvenue à notre conférence internationale.

In journalistic contexts, reporters might use the word to describe the atmosphere of a meeting between political figures. If two rival politicians meet and manage to maintain a polite demeanor without showing open hostility, a news anchor might describe the encounter using this adverb.
Journalistic Descriptions
Used to characterize diplomatic or political interactions that are polite but perhaps lack genuine warmth.

Les deux chefs d'État se sont entretenus très cordialement pendant une heure.

You might also encounter it in customer service interactions, particularly in formal apologies or resolutions. A store manager addressing a customer complaint might assure the customer of their dedication to service.

Nous vous présentons cordialement nos excuses pour ce désagrément.

In literature, the word is used to paint a picture of character interactions. A novelist might use it to describe a host welcoming guests to a manor, emphasizing the social grace and polite etiquette of the era being depicted.
Literary Contexts
Employed to describe actions governed by social etiquette and polite society rules.

Il la remercia cordialement, bien que son regard restât froid.

Therefore, while you will primarily read this word rather than hear it, understanding its spoken and descriptive contexts provides a deeper appreciation for its role in the French language. It is a linguistic tool that signals politeness, professional distance, and adherence to social norms, whether typed at the bottom of a screen or spoken from a podium.
Even advanced learners of French frequently stumble when using the adverb cordialement, primarily because its English translation, cordially, does not map perfectly onto its French usage, and the rules of French epistolary etiquette are notoriously rigid. The most glaring mistake beginners make is using this word in the wrong register. Because it translates to warmly or sincerely, a learner might logically conclude that it is an appropriate way to sign off a letter to a beloved grandmother or a close friend. This is a critical cultural error. In French, using this word with family or close friends creates a sudden, jarring sense of emotional distance. It sounds as though you are treating your mother like a business associate.

Incorrect use with family: Chère maman, je t'aime. Cordialement, ton fils.

The Register Error
Using professional sign-offs in personal correspondence creates unintended coldness.
Another frequent mistake occurs at the opposite end of the formality spectrum. While it is the standard for daily business emails, it is completely inappropriate for highly formal letters, such as a cover letter for a job application (lettre de motivation) or a formal complaint to a government administration. In these scenarios, French demands the use of traditional, complex formulas of politeness.

Incorrect in a formal cover letter: Je suis très motivé par ce poste. Cordialement.

The Ultra-Formal Error
Failing to use long-form salutations (e.g., Je vous prie d'agréer...) in official documents.
Grammatically, learners sometimes try to modify the word incorrectly. Since it is already an adverb ending in -ment, it cannot be made plural or feminine. It is completely invariable.

Grammatical error: Ils nous ont salués cordialements.

Additionally, learners often struggle with the variations. When to use just the word, and when to use Bien cordialement or Très cordialement? The standalone word is the most neutral and can sometimes be perceived as slightly dry or abrupt if the preceding email was tense. Adding Bien softens it and is generally the safest choice for everyday professional interactions where you want to maintain a positive working relationship.
Nuance and Tone
Failing to adjust the warmth of the sign-off to match the tone of the email.

Safe everyday professional use: Merci pour le rapport. Bien cordialement.

Finally, punctuation is a minor but common stumbling block. When used as a sign-off, it must be followed by a comma, never a period or an exclamation mark. The signature goes on the line directly below.

Punctuation error: Cordialement! Jean.

By avoiding these pitfalls regarding register, formality, grammar, nuance, and punctuation, you will be able to utilize this essential vocabulary word with the precision and cultural competence of a native French speaker.
To truly master French correspondence and communication, you must build a repertoire of alternatives to the word cordialement. Relying solely on one sign-off can make your writing feel robotic and repetitive. The French language offers a rich spectrum of polite formulas, each calibrated for a specific level of intimacy, hierarchy, and context.

Alternative for colleagues: Je te souhaite une bonne journée. Amicalement.

Let us explore the hierarchy of alternatives, starting from the least formal and moving to the most formal. For colleagues you are genuinely friends with, or acquaintances you have a warm relationship with, Amicalement is the perfect substitute. It translates to amicably or in a friendly manner, and it removes the corporate stiffness while remaining polite.
Amicalement
Used for friendly professional relationships or acquaintances. Warmer than the standard.
Moving slightly down the formality scale, for personal friends and family, you should abandon adverbs entirely and use expressions of affection. Amitiés (Best wishes/Friendship), À bientôt (See you soon), or the ubiquitous Bisous (Kisses) are appropriate.

For close friends: On se voit demain ! Bisous.

Now, moving up the formality scale from our core word. If you are writing to someone you respect deeply, an older person, or a superior with whom you maintain a strict professional distance, Sincèrement (Sincerely) or Sincères salutations (Sincere greetings) can be used. These sound slightly more elevated and serious.
Sincèrement
A direct translation of sincerely. It is slightly more formal and less common in daily quick emails.

Dans l'attente de votre réponse, je vous prie d'agréer mes sincères salutations.

For the absolute highest level of formality—such as writing to a government minister, a CEO you have never met, or applying for a job—you must use the traditional formules de politesse. These are long sentences that essentially mean with all due respect.
Formules de Politesse
Mandatory for highly official correspondence. Example: Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, l'assurance de ma considération distinguée.

Finally, in the modern era of quick messaging apps like Slack or Teams used within companies, even the standard adverb is often dropped entirely in favor of simply signing your name, or using a quick Bonne journée (Have a good day) or Merci (Thank you).

On chat: Le dossier est prêt. Bonne journée, Marie.

Understanding this spectrum allows you to modulate your tone perfectly, ensuring that you always strike the right balance of respect, warmth, and professionalism in your French communications.
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Examples by Level

1

Merci beaucoup. Cordialement, Marie.

Thank you very much. Best regards, Marie.

Used as a simple sign-off at the end of a message.

2

Bonjour, voici le document. Cordialement.

Hello, here is the document. Sincerely.

Followed by a period when used alone, or a comma before a name.

3

À demain. Cordialement, Paul.

See you tomorrow. Best regards, Paul.

A polite way to end a short note.

4

Je voudrais réserver une table. Cordialement.

I would like to book a table. Best regards.

Standard polite closing for requests.

5

Où est la gare ? Merci, cordialement.

Where is the train station? Thank you, sincerely.

Can be combined with 'merci'.

6

Voici mon devoir. Cordialement.

Here is my homework. Best regards.

Appropriate for communicating with teachers.

7

J'accepte l'invitation. Cordialement.

I accept the invitation. Sincerely.

Polite acceptance closing.

8

Au revoir et cordialement.

Goodbye and best regards.

Sometimes used together in basic writing.

1

Je vous remercie pour votre aide. Cordialement.

I thank you for your help. Best regards.

Standard professional email closing.

2

Il m'a parlé très cordialement.

He spoke to me very cordially.

Adverb modifying the verb 'parler'.

3

Nous vous invitons cordialement à la fête.

We cordially invite you to the party.

Adverb modifying the verb 'inviter'.

4

Bien cordialement, Monsieur le Directeur.

Warm regards, Mr. Director.

Adding 'Bien' increases the warmth slightly.

5

Elle a souri cordialement.

She smiled warmly.

Describes the manner of smiling.

6

Veuillez trouver la facture ci-jointe. Cordialement.

Please find the attached invoice. Sincerely.

Classic business correspondence formula.

7

Ils se sont salués cordialement.

They greeted each other cordially.

Used with reflexive verbs for mutual actions.

8

Passez un bon week-end. Cordialement.

Have a good weekend. Best regards.

Common Friday afternoon email sign-off.

1

Je reste à votre disposition pour toute information complémentaire. Bien cordialement.

I remain at your disposal for any further information. Warm regards.

Standard B1 level professional email conclusion.

2

La réunion s'est déroulée très cordialement, malgré nos désaccords.

The meeting went very cordially, despite our disagreements.

Modifying the reflexive verb 'se dérouler'.

3

Je vous adresse cordialement mes meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année.

I cordially send you my best wishes for the new year.

Placed directly after the conjugated verb 'adresse'.

4

Le maire a accueilli cordialement les nouveaux habitants de la ville.

The mayor cordially welcomed the new residents of the city.

Adverb placed between the auxiliary verb and past participle, or after the past participle depending on emphasis.

5

C'est un collègue avec qui je m'entends cordialement, sans plus.

He is a colleague with whom I get along cordially, nothing more.

Used to define the exact limit of a relationship.

6

Très cordialement, l'équipe des ressources humaines.

Very sincerely, the human resources team.

Using 'Très' for maximum professional warmth.

7

Ils ont échangé quelques mots cordialement avant de se séparer.

They exchanged a few words cordially before parting ways.

Describing a brief, polite interaction.

8

Je vous prie de m'excuser pour ce retard. Cordialement.

Please excuse me for this delay. Best regards.

Softening an apology in a professional setting.

1

Bien que concurrents, les deux directeurs ont toujours entretenu des relations purement cordiales et se saluent cordialement.

Although competitors, the two directors have always maintained purely cordial relations and greet each other cordially.

Contrasting the adjective 'cordiales' with the adverb 'cordialement'.

2

L'e-mail était sec, se terminant par un simple 'cordialement' qui trahissait son agacement.

The email was dry, ending with a simple 'cordialement' that betrayed his annoyance.

Using the word as a noun to discuss its sociolinguistic impact.

3

Je vous remercie de bien vouloir traiter cette demande dans les plus brefs délais. Cordialement.

Thank you for kindly processing this request as soon as possible. Sincerely.

Standard authoritative but polite corporate request.

4

Le débat télévisé s'est achevé plus cordialement qu'il n'avait commencé.

The televised debate ended more cordially than it had begun.

Used in a comparative structure (plus cordialement que).

5

C'est avec plaisir que nous vous convions cordialement à l'inauguration de nos nouveaux locaux.

It is with pleasure that we cordially invite you to the inauguration of our new premises.

Formal invitation phrasing.

6

Il a refusé mon offre, mais il l'a fait si cordialement que je n'ai pas pu lui en vouloir.

He refused my offer, but he did it so cordially that I couldn't be mad at him.

Modifying the verb 'faire' to describe a delicate action.

7

Pourriez-vous me faire parvenir le compte-rendu ? Bien cordialement à vous.

Could you send me the minutes? Warm regards to you.

Adding 'à vous' personalizes the sign-off slightly.

8

L'hôtesse nous a souri cordialement en vérifiant nos billets.

The hostess smiled at us warmly while checking our tickets.

Describing professional hospitality.

1

L'usage abusif du terme 'cordialement' dans les courriels professionnels a fini par le vider de sa substance émotionnelle originelle.

The excessive use of the term 'cordialement' in professional emails has ended up emptying it of its original emotional substance.

Analyzing the word's semantic shift in a complex sentence.

2

Il est fascinant d'observer comment un simple 'cordialement' peut, selon le contexte, exprimer un respect sincère ou une distance glaciale.

It is fascinating to observe how a simple 'cordialement' can, depending on the context, express sincere respect or a glacial distance.

Discussing the pragmatic ambiguity of the adverb.

3

Suite à notre entretien téléphonique de ce jour, je vous confirme mon accord. Cordialement.

Following our telephone conversation today, I confirm my agreement. Sincerely.

Classic formal business follow-up structure.

4

Les diplomates ont échangé cordialement, mais les observateurs ont bien noté la tension sous-jacente.

The diplomats exchanged cordially, but observers clearly noted the underlying tension.

Using the adverb to describe surface-level politeness.

5

Je vous saurais gré de bien vouloir m'informer de la suite donnée à ce dossier. Bien cordialement.

I would be grateful if you would kindly inform me of the follow-up given to this file. Warm regards.

Combining a high-register request (saurais gré) with the standard sign-off.

6

Dans l'attente de vous lire, je vous salue bien cordialement.

Looking forward to reading from you, I greet you very cordially.

A slightly more traditional, elevated epistolary formula.

7

Elle a décliné l'invitation très cordialement, invoquant des obligations antérieures.

She declined the invitation very cordially, citing prior obligations.

Describing a graceful social maneuver.

8

Passer de 'bien à vous' à 'cordialement' dans une correspondance suivie est souvent le signe d'une rupture de confiance.

Switching from 'bien à vous' to 'cordialement' in an ongoing correspondence is often the sign of a breach of trust.

Analyzing the sociolinguistic implications of changing sign-offs.

1

La tyrannie du 'cordialement' a standardisé nos échanges, reléguant aux oubliettes la richesse des anciennes formules épistolaires.

The tyranny of 'cordialement' has standardized our exchanges, consigning the richness of old epistolary formulas to oblivion.

Using sophisticated vocabulary (tyrannie, reléguant, oubliettes) to critique the word's dominance.

2

Il m'a congédié cordialement, avec cette politesse exquise et tranchante propre à la haute bourgeoisie parisienne.

He dismissed me cordially, with that exquisite and sharp politeness specific to the Parisian upper bourgeoisie.

Using the adverb to highlight a cultural paradox (politeness as a weapon).

3

C'est par un laconique 'cordialement' qu'il a mis un point final à dix ans de collaboration fructueuse.

It was with a laconic 'cordialement' that he put a final stop to ten years of fruitful collaboration.

Emphasizing the emotional inadequacy of the word in a profound situation.

4

S'il vous accueille cordialement, méfiez-vous : sa cordialité n'est souvent que le masque de son indifférence.

If he welcomes you cordially, beware: his cordiality is often nothing but the mask of his indifference.

Connecting the adverb to its noun form to build a complex psychological observation.

5

L'euphémisation des rapports hiérarchiques se traduit par l'usage asy

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