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A1 noun #1,000 most common 14 min read

lettre

Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips lettre in 30 Seconds

Explanation lettre in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the word lettre is introduced very early on, primarily in two distinct but equally important contexts. First, learners encounter it when studying the French alphabet. You learn that A, B, and C are des lettres. The teacher might ask you to spell your name, saying 'Épelez votre nom, lettre par lettre' (Spell your name, letter by letter). This is crucial for basic communication, especially when giving personal information like your name or address over the phone or at a hotel reception. Secondly, you learn the word in the context of basic correspondence and the post office. You learn that a lettre is a physical piece of paper you put in an envelope to send to someone. Vocabulary related to this includes 'écrire une lettre' (to write a letter), 'un timbre' (a stamp), and 'la poste' (the post office). At this stage, sentences are simple and direct. For example, 'J'écris une lettre à mon ami' (I am writing a letter to my friend) or 'La lettre est sur la table' (The letter is on the table). You also learn that it is a feminine noun, so it always takes feminine articles like 'une' or 'la'. The focus is entirely on the literal, physical meanings of the word, providing a foundation for everyday practical tasks like mailing a postcard from your vacation in France or understanding basic spelling instructions in a classroom setting.

As you progress to the A2 level, your understanding and use of the word lettre expand to include more descriptive language and slightly more complex situations. You are no longer just stating that a letter exists; you are describing it and the actions surrounding it in more detail. You learn to use adjectives to describe the letter, such as 'une longue lettre' (a long letter), 'une lettre importante' (an important letter), or 'une lettre officielle' (an official letter). You also start using past and future tenses with the word. Instead of just 'J'écris', you can say 'J'ai reçu une lettre hier' (I received a letter yesterday) or 'Je vais envoyer cette lettre demain' (I am going to send this letter tomorrow). At this level, you also begin to encounter common compound nouns related to daily life and administration. For instance, you learn 'la boîte aux lettres' (the mailbox), which is essential for understanding where mail is delivered. You might practice writing simple, informal letters to friends or family members in French, learning basic greetings like 'Cher/Chère' and simple sign-offs like 'À bientôt' or 'Bisous'. The concept of the 'lettre' becomes a tool for practicing written expression and understanding basic narratives about communication. You also become more comfortable distinguishing between 'une lettre' (a specific letter) and 'le courrier' (mail in general), a common point of confusion for beginners.

At the B1 intermediate level, the word lettre takes on a much more formal and administrative significance. You are now expected to be able to navigate everyday life in a French-speaking country, which inevitably involves paperwork. The most critical new concept introduced at this level is the 'lettre de motivation' (cover letter). You learn how to structure a formal letter for a job application or university admission, which introduces a whole new set of vocabulary and highly formalized etiquette. You learn standard, complex formulas for opening and closing formal letters, such as 'Madame, Monsieur' and 'Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées'. Furthermore, you learn about the 'lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception' (registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt), which is the standard legal way to cancel a contract, resign from a job ('lettre de démission'), or handle disputes in France. The word is no longer just about friendly correspondence; it is a vital tool for legal and professional survival. You also start to encounter the word in more abstract or idiomatic contexts. For example, you might learn the expression 'à la lettre', meaning to follow instructions exactly or literally. Your reading comprehension improves, allowing you to read short epistolary texts or news articles where letters are mentioned as sources of information or evidence. The focus shifts from the physical object to the purpose and formal structure of the communication.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means you have a strong grasp of the nuances and cultural weight of the word lettre. You are comfortable writing both highly formal administrative letters and nuanced personal correspondence. At this stage, you delve deeper into idiomatic expressions and figurative language. You understand and can use phrases like 'prendre au pied de la lettre' (to take something literally, often missing the nuance or joke) or 'passer comme une lettre à la poste' (to go smoothly, without a hitch). You also encounter the word in literary contexts. You might read excerpts from famous French epistolary novels, such as 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' or 'Lettres persanes', understanding how the 'lettre' functions as a narrative device. The term 'homme de lettres' or 'femme de lettres' (man/woman of letters, meaning a writer or intellectual) becomes part of your vocabulary when discussing culture and history. You are also capable of discussing the evolution of communication, comparing the traditional 'lettre' with modern 'courriels' (emails) and debating the loss of the art of letter writing. Your writing skills are advanced enough that you can adapt the tone of your 'lettre' perfectly to the recipient, whether it is a complaint to a company, a passionate argument to a newspaper editor, or a comforting message to a grieving friend. The word is fully integrated into your active, sophisticated vocabulary.

At the C1 advanced level, your mastery of the word lettre is near-native. You understand its historical, cultural, and philosophical implications within the French language. You are familiar with the concept of 'belles-lettres', referring to literature as a fine art, and can engage in high-level discussions about literary criticism and the epistolary genre. You understand complex legal and administrative jargon where 'lettre' is used, such as 'lettre de cachet' (historically, a letter signed by the king containing an order) or 'lettre de change' (bill of exchange in finance). You use idioms flawlessly and naturally in conversation, knowing exactly when a rule remains 'lettre morte' (a dead letter, a rule that is ignored). In terms of writing, you can craft a 'lettre de motivation' that is not only structurally perfect but also stylistically elegant and persuasive, utilizing advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. You appreciate the subtle differences between synonyms like 'missive', 'épître', and 'pli', and you choose the exact right word for the context. You can also play with the dual meaning of the word (alphabet character vs. correspondence) in puns or rhetorical devices. Your understanding of 'lettre' at this level reflects a deep integration into French culture, history, and the sophisticated nuances of the written word.

At the C2 mastery level, the word lettre holds no secrets for you. You possess a comprehensive and intuitive understanding of every possible usage, from the most archaic literary references to the most modern administrative jargon. You can effortlessly analyze texts where the 'lettre' is the central theme, understanding the psychological and sociological implications of correspondence in different historical eras. You are capable of writing a 'lettre' that mimics the style of specific historical periods or authors, demonstrating a profound command of French stylistics and rhetoric. You understand the philosophical distinction often made in French thought between 'la lettre' (the literal text or strict interpretation) and 'l'esprit' (the spirit or intent of the text), as in the phrase 'respecter la lettre et l'esprit de la loi' (to respect the letter and the spirit of the law). You can engage in academic debates about typography, discussing the anatomy of a 'lettre' (fonts, serifs, kerning) using specialized vocabulary. Your use of the word is completely fluid, precise, and culturally resonant, reflecting the highest level of linguistic competence and a deep appreciation for the French language as an art form and a complex system of communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

lettre in 30 Seconds

A character of the alphabet.
A written message sent by mail.
Always a feminine noun (une lettre).
Used in many administrative terms.

The French word lettre is an absolutely fundamental vocabulary item that every single learner of the French language will encounter very early in their educational journey. It carries a dual meaning that is essential to understand for effective communication. Primarily, the word lettre refers to a character of the alphabet, such as A, B, or C. In this context, it is the building block of written language, the very foundation upon which words, sentences, and entire literary works are constructed. When children go to school in France, learning the letters of the alphabet is their first academic milestone. They learn to distinguish between uppercase letters, known as majuscules, and lowercase letters, known as minuscules.

Alphabet Context: In the context of the alphabet, a lettre is a single typographical symbol used to represent a sound or a phonetic element in the written language.

La première lettre de l'alphabet est le A.

Beyond its typographical meaning, the second and equally important definition of lettre is a written message or correspondence sent from one person to another, typically enclosed in an envelope and delivered by a postal service. This is the equivalent of the English word letter in the context of mail. Despite the rapid advancement of digital communication, emails, and instant messaging, the physical lettre remains a significant part of French culture and administrative life.

Correspondence Context: A written or printed communication directed to a person or organization, usually sent by mail in an envelope with a postage stamp.

J'ai reçu une longue lettre de mon ami d'enfance ce matin.

The act of writing a letter, or écrire une lettre, is deeply ingrained in the French administrative system. For many official procedures, such as canceling a subscription, resigning from a job, or dealing with legal matters, a formal letter is still strictly required. This is often sent as a lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception, which is a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, providing legal proof that the correspondence was sent and received.

Il faut envoyer une lettre recommandée pour résilier le contrat.

Furthermore, the concept of the lettre de motivation is crucial for anyone seeking employment in France. This is the cover letter that accompanies a curriculum vitae (CV), and it is expected to follow highly specific formal conventions, including elaborate sign-offs known as formules de politesse.

Professional Context: In professional settings, the lettre serves as a formal record of requests, applications, and official decisions.

Sa lettre de démission a surpris tout le bureau.

On a more personal and emotional level, the lettre d'amour, or love letter, holds a romantic place in French literature and culture. The art of writing beautiful, expressive letters is celebrated, and historical figures like Madame de Sévigné are famous precisely for their prolific and eloquent letter writing.

Il a caché une lettre d'amour dans son sac.

Whether you are spelling your name out loud by reciting each lettre, or walking to the yellow mailbox of La Poste to mail a physical lettre, this word is an indispensable part of navigating daily life, administration, and personal relationships in the French-speaking world. Understanding its various contexts, from the simplest alphabet character to the most complex legal correspondence, is key to mastering the language.

Using the word lettre correctly in French sentences involves understanding the various verbs, adjectives, and prepositions that naturally collocate with it. Because lettre is a feminine noun, it must always be preceded by feminine articles such as la, une, cette, or ma, and any adjectives modifying it must agree in gender and number.

Grammatical Agreement: Always remember that lettre is feminine. Therefore, you must say une longue lettre, not un long lettre.

J'ai écrit une très belle lettre à mes grands-parents.

When discussing the action of creating a letter, the most common verb is écrire (to write). You can write a letter to someone, which requires the preposition à. For example, écrire une lettre à sa mère means to write a letter to one's mother.

Nous allons envoyer cette lettre par la poste demain matin.

Once a letter is written, it must be sent. The verbs envoyer (to send) and poster (to mail/post) are used here. You might say Je dois poster cette lettre aujourd'hui (I must mail this letter today). On the receiving end, the verb is recevoir (to receive).

Action Verbs: The lifecycle of a correspondence involves écrire (writing), envoyer/poster (sending), and recevoir (receiving) une lettre.

Avez-vous reçu la lettre que je vous ai envoyée la semaine dernière ?

When referring to the letters of the alphabet, the usage shifts slightly. You might talk about spelling a word, which is épeler. For instance, Épelez votre nom lettre par lettre means Spell your name letter by letter. You will also encounter adjectives describing the type of letter, such as lettre majuscule (capital letter) and lettre minuscule (lowercase letter).

Il faut commencer la phrase par une lettre majuscule.

In administrative contexts, you will frequently use compound nouns or specific phrases. A lettre de motivation is a cover letter, a lettre de démission is a resignation letter, and a lettre recommandée is a registered letter. These are fixed expressions where the word lettre is followed by the preposition de and a modifying noun, or an adjective.

Idiomatic Usage: The phrase à la lettre means literally or exactly, as in suivre les instructions à la lettre (to follow the instructions to the letter).

Il a suivi mes conseils à la lettre et a réussi son examen.

Another common idiom is passer comme une lettre à la poste, which translates to going as smoothly as a letter through the post office, meaning something happened very easily or without any issues. By mastering these verbs, adjectives, and idiomatic expressions, you can use the word lettre naturally and accurately in a wide variety of conversational and written contexts in French.

The word lettre is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, and you will hear it in a vast array of daily situations, ranging from the most basic educational settings to complex administrative environments. One of the very first places you will hear this word is in a classroom or any educational context. Teachers frequently instruct students on how to form a lettre, how to pronounce a specific lettre, or how to write a word en toutes lettres (written out in full, rather than using numbers or abbreviations).

Educational Settings: In schools, children learn the alphabet, distinguishing between vowels and consonants, each being a distinct lettre.

Le professeur a demandé d'écrire chaque lettre avec soin sur le tableau.

You will also hear the word constantly at the post office, known as La Poste in France. When you approach the counter, the postal worker might ask if you are sending a lettre standard or a lettre recommandée. You will see signs directing you to the machines where you can weigh your lettre to purchase the correct timbre (stamp).

Je dois aller à la poste pour affranchir cette lettre importante.

In the professional world, the word is unavoidable. During job interviews or when discussing job applications, the phrase lettre de motivation is incredibly common. Human resources professionals and managers will discuss whether a candidate's lettre was persuasive or well-written.

Administrative Life: French administration is famous for its paperwork, and sending a formal lettre is often the only accepted way to process official requests.

L'administration fiscale m'a envoyé une lettre de rappel concernant mes impôts.

Furthermore, in everyday conversation, people often talk about the mail they have received. You might hear a neighbor say, J'ai trouvé une lettre bizarre dans ma boîte aux lettres (I found a weird letter in my mailbox). The phrase boîte aux lettres (mailbox) itself contains the word and is used daily.

Le facteur a déposé une lettre parfumée ce matin.

In literature and the arts, the concept of the lettre is deeply romanticized. The epistolary novel, a novel written as a series of documents, usually letters, is a classic French literary form, famously exemplified by Les Liaisons dangereuses. When discussing literature, you might hear the term homme de lettres (man of letters) or femme de lettres (woman of letters), referring to a writer or scholar.

Literary Context: The phrase belles-lettres refers to literature considered as a fine art, highlighting the aesthetic value of the written word.

Ce roman est composé uniquement de la correspondance et chaque lettre révèle un secret.

Finally, in idiomatic expressions, you will hear the word used metaphorically. If someone tells you to follow instructions à la lettre, they mean you should follow them exactly, without deviation. If a rule is ignored, it is said to remain lettre morte (dead letter). These varied contexts demonstrate that lettre is not just a vocabulary word, but a key to understanding French daily life, administration, and cultural expression.

When English speakers learn the French word lettre, they often encounter a few common pitfalls and mistakes, primarily stemming from direct translation issues and a misunderstanding of how the word functions in different contexts. The most frequent mistake is confusing the gender of the noun. Because letter in English has no gender, learners sometimes guess and say un lettre. This is incorrect. Lettre is strictly a feminine noun, so it must always be une lettre, la lettre, cette lettre, or ma lettre.

Gender Confusion: Always ensure that any adjectives modifying lettre are in their feminine form. For example, write une belle lettre, not un beau lettre.

C'est une lettre très importante pour mon avenir professionnel.

Another significant mistake involves confusing lettre with the broader concept of mail. In English, we might say 'Did the mail arrive?' or 'I have a lot of mail today.' A direct translation using lettre (e.g., Est-ce que la lettre est arrivée ? when referring to mail in general) sounds unnatural in French. When referring to mail collectively, the correct word is le courrier. Lettre should be reserved for a specific, individual piece of correspondence.

Il y a beaucoup de courrier aujourd'hui, mais aucune lettre pour moi.

Furthermore, in the digital age, learners sometimes use lettre to refer to an email. While an email is a type of letter, in French, you should never say J'ai envoyé une lettre sur Internet to mean an email. The correct terms are un e-mail, un mail, or the more formal un courriel. Using lettre implies a physical piece of paper sent through the traditional postal system.

Digital vs Physical: Reserve the word lettre for physical paper correspondence. For electronic messages, use e-mail or courriel.

Je préfère recevoir une vraie lettre plutôt qu'un simple courriel.

A more subtle mistake occurs when discussing characters of the alphabet. English speakers might use the word character (as in, a password must contain 8 characters). While caractère exists in French and is used in computing, when talking about spelling a word or the letters of the alphabet, lettre is the preferred and more natural term. Saying Ce mot a cinq caractères is less natural in everyday speech than Ce mot s'écrit avec cinq lettres.

Le mot bonjour contient sept lettres en tout.

Finally, learners often struggle with the pronunciation. The double 't' followed by an 'r' and an 'e' can be tricky. It is not pronounced let-ter like in English. The final 're' is a soft, guttural sound, almost whispered at the end of the word. Failing to pronounce the 'r' correctly can make the word sound like lait (milk) or les (the plural article) to an untrained ear.

Pronunciation Trap: Ensure you articulate the French 'r' at the end of the word. It is a single syllable word: /lɛtʁ/.

Écoutez bien la prononciation du mot lettre sur l'enregistrement audio.

By being mindful of its feminine gender, distinguishing it from general mail and emails, using it correctly for alphabet characters, and practicing the pronunciation, you can avoid these common mistakes and use lettre like a native speaker.

While lettre is the most direct translation for the English word letter, the French language offers a rich vocabulary of similar words and alternatives that provide more nuance depending on the exact context. Understanding these alternatives is crucial for expanding your vocabulary and sounding more precise in your communication. The most common alternative, as previously mentioned, is le courrier. While a lettre is a single item, le courrier refers to mail in a collective sense. It encompasses letters, postcards, bills, and packages.

Courrier vs Lettre: Use courrier when talking about the daily delivery of mail as a whole, and lettre when referring to a specific, enclosed written message.

Le facteur a apporté le courrier, il y a une lettre pour toi.

Another very common alternative is un message. This is a broader term that can refer to any piece of information communicated from one person to another, whether it is written, spoken, physical, or digital. A lettre is a type of message, but a text on a phone or a voicemail is also a message.

Au lieu d'écrire une longue lettre, il a simplement envoyé un court message.

For a very short, informal written note, the word un mot (literally, a word) is frequently used. If you leave a sticky note on the fridge for your roommate, that is un petit mot. It is much less formal and shorter than a lettre.

Un Mot: Use un mot for brief, casual notes, such as an excuse note for a child's teacher or a quick reminder.

J'ai laissé un petit mot sur la table avec la lettre du propriétaire.

In a more literary or formal context, you might encounter the word une missive. This is an older, slightly elevated term for a letter, often implying a long or important official dispatch. Similarly, une épître is an epistle, a very formal or poetic letter, often used in a religious or historical context (like the Epistles in the Bible).

Le roi a envoyé une longue missive, bien plus formelle qu'une simple lettre.

When discussing the physical object of the letter before it is opened, the word un pli is sometimes used, especially in administrative or postal jargon. It literally means a fold, referring to the folded paper inside the envelope. Finally, when referring to the letters of the alphabet, the word un caractère (a character) can be used, particularly in typography or computing contexts. However, as noted before, lettre remains the standard term for alphabet symbols in general use.

Caractère: Use caractère when talking about fonts, computer coding, or passwords, rather than the alphabet learned in school.

Ce mot de passe nécessite au moins une lettre majuscule et un caractère spécial.

By familiarizing yourself with these alternatives—courrier, message, mot, missive, pli, and caractère—you will be able to express yourself with much greater precision and understand the subtle distinctions native French speakers make when talking about written communication.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In ancient Rome, 'litterae' was used to describe official documents and literature, which is why we have the English word 'literature' and the French word 'littérature' derived from the same root as 'lettre'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lɛtʁ/

US /lɛtʁ/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word: LETTRE.

Rhymes With

mètre fenêtre être paraître connaître maître prêtre ancêtre

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the English word 'letter' (let-er).
Failing to pronounce the final French 'r', making it sound like 'lait' (milk).
Pronouncing the final 'e' strongly (let-truh). The 'e' is mostly silent, serving only to voice the 'r'.
Using a hard, rolling 'r' instead of the soft guttural French 'r'.
Making it two distinct syllables instead of one blended syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is nearly identical to the English word.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but learners must remember the double 't' and the final 're'.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation of the final 'tre' can be challenging for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Generally easy to hear, but the soft ending might be missed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

alphabet écrire lire papier mot

Learn Next

courrier timbre enveloppe poste message

Advanced

épistolaire missive lettré illettrisme belles-lettres

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

Une belle lettre (A beautiful letter) - Adjectives must be feminine.

Preposition 'à' with verbs of communication

J'écris une lettre à mon frère. (I write a letter to my brother).

Indirect Object Pronouns

Je lui écris une lettre. (I am writing a letter to him/her).

Compound Nouns with 'à' or 'de'

Boîte aux lettres (Mailbox), Lettre de motivation (Cover letter).

Passive Voice / Reflexive Passive

Ce mot s'écrit avec six lettres. (This word is written with six letters).

Examples by Level

La lettre A est la première lettre.

The letter A is the first letter.

'Lettre' is a feminine noun, so it uses 'la' and 'première'.

J'écris une lettre à ma mère.

I am writing a letter to my mother.

Use the verb 'écrire' (to write) with 'une lettre'.

La lettre est sur la table.

The letter is on the table.

Basic statement of location using the preposition 'sur'.

Il y a trois lettres ici.

There are three letters here.

Plural form 'lettres' takes an 's' at the end.

Je poste la lettre.

I am mailing the letter.

'Poster' is a regular -er verb meaning to mail.

C'est une belle lettre.

It is a beautiful letter.

The adjective 'belle' (beautiful) must agree with the feminine noun.

Où est ma lettre ?

Where is my letter?

Possessive adjective 'ma' is used for feminine singular nouns.

Je lis la lettre.

I am reading the letter.

Use the verb 'lire' (to read) to describe the action.

J'ai reçu une longue lettre de mon ami hier.

I received a long letter from my friend yesterday.

Passé composé used with 'recevoir' (j'ai reçu).

Tu dois mettre un timbre sur la lettre.

You must put a stamp on the letter.

Vocabulary expansion: 'un timbre' (a stamp).

La boîte aux lettres est vide aujourd'hui.

The mailbox is empty today.

Compound noun 'boîte aux lettres' (mailbox).

Elle va envoyer cette lettre demain matin.

She is going to send this letter tomorrow morning.

Futur proche: 'aller' + infinitive 'envoyer'.

Ce mot s'écrit avec cinq lettres.

This word is written with five letters.

Reflexive passive construction 's'écrit'.

J'ai trouvé une vieille lettre dans le grenier.

I found an old letter in the attic.

Adjective 'vieille' precedes the noun.

N'oublie pas de signer la lettre en bas.

Don't forget to sign the letter at the bottom.

Imperative form 'N'oublie pas' followed by infinitive 'signer'.

C'est la dernière lettre que je t'écris.

This is the last letter I am writing to you.

Relative pronoun 'que' connecting the clauses.

Pour ce travail, il faut envoyer un CV et une lettre de motivation.

For this job, you must send a CV and a cover letter.

Introduction of the specific term 'lettre de motivation'.

J'ai envoyé ma lettre de démission en courrier recommandé.

I sent my resignation letter by registered mail.

Vocabulary: 'lettre de démission' and 'courrier recommandé'.

Il a suivi les instructions à la lettre.

He followed the instructions to the letter.

Idiomatic expression 'à la lettre' meaning exactly.

La première lettre de chaque phrase doit être une majuscule.

The first letter of every sentence must be a capital letter.

Vocabulary: 'majuscule' (capital letter).

Je vous écris cette lettre pour vous informer de mon déménagement.

I am writing this letter to inform you of my move.

Formal phrasing 'Je vous écris... pour vous informer'.

Cette règle est restée lettre morte pendant des années.

This rule remained a dead letter for years.

Idiom 'lettre morte' meaning an ignored rule or law.

Veuillez trouver ci-joint la lettre que vous avez demandée.

Please find attached the letter you requested.

Formal correspondence formula 'Veuillez trouver ci-joint'.

L'alphabet français comporte vingt-six lettres.

The French alphabet consists of twenty-six letters.

Use of the verb 'comporter' (to consist of/contain).

Son roman épistolaire est composé uniquement de lettres fictives.

His epistolary novel is composed entirely of fictional letters.

Literary vocabulary: 'roman épistolaire'.

Son explication est passée comme une lettre à la poste.

His explanation went down smoothly (like a letter through the post).

Common idiom 'passer comme une lettre à la poste'.

Il faut toujours prendre ses menaces au pied de la lettre.

You must always take his threats literally.

Idiom 'prendre au pied de la lettre' (to take literally).

C'est un véritable homme de lettres, passionné par la littérature classique.

He is a true man of letters, passionate about classical literature.

Cultural phrase 'homme de lettres' (writer/scholar).

La lettre de change était un instrument financier crucial au Moyen Âge.

The bill of exchange was a crucial financial instrument in the Middle Ages.

Historical/financial term 'lettre de change'.

J'ai rédigé cette lettre avec le plus grand soin pour ne froisser personne.

I drafted this letter with the greatest care so as not to offend anyone.

Use of 'rédiger' (to draft/write formally).

La typographie de cette affiche utilise des lettres gothiques.

The typography of this poster uses Gothic letters.

Contextual use referring to font styles.

Il a reçu une lettre de mise en demeure de la part de son avocat.

He received a formal notice letter from his lawyer.

Legal terminology 'lettre de mise en demeure'.

Le respect de la lettre de la loi s'oppose parfois à son esprit.

Respecting the letter of the law sometimes conflicts with its spirit.

Philosophical/legal distinction between 'la lettre' and 'l'esprit'.

Ces correspondances privées ont acquis leurs lettres de noblesse littéraire.

These private correspondences have acquired their literary prestige.

Idiom 'acquérir ses lettres de noblesse' (to gain prestige/recognition).

L'administration a envoyé une lettre circulaire à tous les chefs de service.

The administration sent a circular letter to all department heads.

Administrative term 'lettre circulaire' (circular/memo).

Dans ce manuscrit ancien, les lettrines sont richement enluminées.

In this ancient manuscript, the drop caps are richly illuminated.

Derived noun 'lettrine' (drop cap/initial).

Il a obéi aux ordres à la lettre, sans faire preuve de la moindre initiative.

He obeyed the orders to the letter, without showing the slightest initiative.

Advanced nuance of 'à la lettre' implying lack of critical thinking.

La République des Lettres désigne la communauté intellectuelle européenne de la Renaissance.

The Republic of Letters refers to the European intellectual community of the Renaissance.

Historical concept 'La République des Lettres'.

Cette clause du contrat est désormais considérée comme lettre morte par la jurisprudence.

This contract clause is now considered a dead letter by jurisprudence.

Legal application of the idiom 'lettre morte'.

L'art de la belle lettre se perd à l'ère des communications instantanées.

The art of fine letter writing is being lost in the era of instant communications.

Cultural commentary using 'belle lettre'.

L'exégèse de ce texte sacré requiert une attention minutieuse à chaque lettre.

The exegesis of this sacred text requires meticulous attention to every letter.

Academic/theological context of 'lettre' as a literal symbol.

Les lettres de cachet sous l'Ancien Régime symbolisaient l'arbitraire royal.

Lettres de cachet under the Ancien Régime symbolized royal arbitrariness.

Specific historical term 'lettre de cachet'.

Il s'est adonné aux belles-lettres après une longue carrière dans la finance.

He devoted himself to belles-lettres after a long career in finance.

Plural noun 'belles-lettres' referring to literature.

La querelle portait sur une simple lettre, un iota qui changeait tout le sens du dogme.

The dispute was over a single letter, an iota that changed the entire meaning of the dogma.

Metaphorical use emphasizing the importance of a single character.

Sa prose, bien que respectant la lettre des conventions classiques, en subvertit l'esprit.

His prose, while respecting the letter of classical conventions, subverts their spirit.

Complex literary analysis contrasting form and intent.

L'épistolier virtuose sait faire chanter les mots dans la contrainte de la lettre.

The virtuoso letter-writer knows how to make words sing within the constraints of the letter.

Use of 'épistolier' (letter writer) and 'lettre' as a genre.

Le crénage défectueux entre ces deux lettres ruine l'harmonie typographique de la page.

The defective kerning between these two letters ruins the typographic harmony of the page.

Highly specialized typographic vocabulary ('crénage').

Il a été pris au pied de la lettre par des détracteurs dénués de second degré.

He was taken literally by detractors devoid of a sense of irony.

Advanced usage of 'prendre au pied de la lettre' in a social context.

Common Collocations

écrire une lettre

envoyer une lettre

recevoir une lettre

lettre de motivation

lettre recommandée

boîte aux lettres

lettre d'amour

lettre de démission

en toutes lettres

à la lettre

Common Phrases

lettre de motivation

— A cover letter used when applying for a job or university.

Ma lettre de motivation explique pourquoi je veux ce poste.

lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception

— A registered letter with proof of receipt, used for legal or official matters.

Pour annuler le contrat, envoyez une lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception.

boîte aux lettres

— A mailbox where mail is delivered or dropped off.

J'ai vérifié la boîte aux lettres, mais elle est vide.

en toutes lettres

— Written out fully in words, rather than using abbreviations or numbers.

Sur un chèque, il faut écrire la somme en toutes lettres.

lettre de démission

— A formal letter stating one's intention to quit a job.

Il a posé sa lettre de démission sur le bureau du directeur.

lettre d'excuses

— A letter written to apologize for something.

L'entreprise a envoyé une lettre d'excuses aux clients mécontents.

lettre de recommandation

— A letter written by someone to recommend another person for a job or program.

Mon professeur m'a écrit une excellente lettre de recommandation.

lettre de relance

— A follow-up letter, often used to remind someone of an unpaid bill or a pending application.

J'ai reçu une lettre de relance pour ma facture d'électricité.

lettre majuscule

— A capital letter.

Les noms propres commencent par une lettre majuscule.

lettre minuscule

— A lowercase letter.

Le reste du mot s'écrit en lettres minuscules.

Often Confused With

lettre vs courrier

'Courrier' is mail in general (collective noun). 'Lettre' is one specific piece of mail.

lettre vs caractère

'Caractère' is used for symbols in computing or passwords. 'Lettre' is used for the alphabet.

lettre vs e-mail / courriel

'Lettre' implies physical paper. Do not use it for electronic mail.

Idioms & Expressions

"à la lettre"

— To follow instructions exactly, literally, without deviation.

J'ai suivi la recette à la lettre, mais le gâteau est raté.

neutral

"passer comme une lettre à la poste"

— To go very smoothly, easily, without any problems or resistance.

Mon explication est passée comme une lettre à la poste.

informal

"prendre au pied de la lettre"

— To take something literally, often missing the joke, sarcasm, or nuance.

Ne prends pas ses blagues au pied de la lettre !

neutral

"rester lettre morte"

— To be ignored, to have no effect (usually referring to a rule, law, or request).

Mes plaintes sont restées lettre morte.

formal

"un homme de lettres / une femme de lettres"

— A writer, author, or scholar; someone devoted to literature.

Victor Hugo était un grand homme de lettres.

formal

"la lettre et l'esprit"

— The literal interpretation versus the intended meaning or spirit of a text/law.

Il faut respecter la lettre et l'esprit de la constitution.

formal

"acquérir ses lettres de noblesse"

— To gain prestige, respectability, or official recognition.

La bande dessinée a acquis ses lettres de noblesse au fil du temps.

formal

"au pied de la lettre"

— Literally, exactly as written or said.

Il a exécuté l'ordre au pied de la lettre.

neutral

"lettre close"

— Something that is a secret or completely incomprehensible to someone.

Les mathématiques sont lettre close pour moi.

literary

"rayer de la carte / des lettres"

— To completely erase or remove someone/something from existence or memory.

Ce scandale l'a rayé du monde des lettres.

literary

Easily Confused

lettre vs l'être

Sounds exactly the same (homophone).

'L'être' means 'the being' (noun) or 'to be' (verb with article). 'Lettre' means letter.

L'être humain écrit une lettre.

lettre vs lait

If the final 're' is not pronounced, it sounds like 'lait' (milk).

'Lait' is a masculine noun meaning milk. 'Lettre' is a feminine noun meaning letter.

Je bois du lait en lisant une lettre.

lettre vs les très

In fast speech, 'les très' can sound similar.

'Les' is plural 'the', 'très' is 'very'.

Les très belles lettres.

lettre vs lettré

Similar spelling, derived from the same root.

'Lettré' is an adjective or noun meaning literate, educated, or a scholar.

Cet homme est très lettré, il lit beaucoup de lettres.

lettre vs littérature

Similar concept and root.

'Littérature' is the broad concept of literature, not a single letter.

Il étudie la littérature et écrit des lettres.

Sentence Patterns

[Sujet] écrit une lettre.

Marie écrit une lettre.

La lettre est [préposition] [lieu].

La lettre est sur le bureau.

[Sujet] a reçu une lettre de [Personne].

J'ai reçu une lettre de Paul.

Il faut [verbe à l'infinitif] la lettre.

Il faut poster la lettre.

Je vous écris cette lettre pour [infinitif].

Je vous écris cette lettre pour postuler à ce poste.

[Sujet] suit [objet] à la lettre.

Il suit le plan à la lettre.

C'est passé comme une lettre à la poste.

L'examen est passé comme une lettre à la poste.

Cette [règle/loi] est restée lettre morte.

Cette interdiction est restée lettre morte.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High (Top 1000 words)

Common Mistakes

J'ai écrit un lettre. → J'ai écrit une lettre.
'Lettre' is a feminine noun. You must use the feminine article 'une'.
Je t'ai envoyé une lettre sur Internet. → Je t'ai envoyé un e-mail / un courriel.
'Lettre' refers to physical paper mail. For electronic messages, use 'e-mail' or 'courriel'.
Le mot de passe a huit lettres. (When referring to any character including numbers/symbols) → Le mot de passe a huit caractères.
If a password includes numbers and symbols, use 'caractères'. 'Lettres' strictly refers to the alphabet (A-Z).
J'attends pour la lettre. → J'attends la lettre.
The French verb 'attendre' (to wait for) takes a direct object. Do not translate the English 'for' (pour).
Il a pris ma blague à la lettre. → Il a pris ma blague au pied de la lettre.
The correct idiom for taking something literally (missing the joke) is 'prendre au pied de la lettre', not just 'à la lettre'.

Tips

Feminine Agreement

Always double-check that your adjectives are feminine when describing a letter. Write 'une longue lettre', not 'un long lettre'.

Physical vs Digital

Reserve 'lettre' for paper mail. If you are typing on a computer to send a message instantly, use 'e-mail' or 'courriel'.

One Syllable

Practice saying 'lettre' as a single syllable. Don't add an extra 'uh' sound at the end. The 'r' should just be a soft breath.

Formal Formulas

If you write a formal 'lettre' in French, you must include a complex sign-off (formule de politesse). A simple 'sincèrement' is often not enough.

À la lettre

Use 'à la lettre' to impress native speakers. Say 'J'ai suivi tes conseils à la lettre' (I followed your advice to the letter).

Courrier vs Lettre

If you are asking if the mail has arrived today, ask 'Le courrier est arrivé ?' rather than 'La lettre est arrivée ?' (unless you are waiting for one specific letter).

Double T

Remember the spelling has two T's: l-e-t-t-r-e. Think of the English word 'letter' to remember the double consonant.

Lettre de motivation

Memorize the phrase 'lettre de motivation'. You will need it if you ever apply for a job, internship, or school program in France.

Preposition 'à'

When writing to someone, use the preposition 'à'. 'J'écris une lettre à Marie.'

Majuscule / Minuscule

Learn the adjectives 'majuscule' (capital) and 'minuscule' (lowercase) as they are constantly paired with 'lettre' in educational settings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a LETTER (mail) that has a giant LETTER A printed on the front of it. Both are called a 'lettre' in French.

Visual Association

Visualize a bright yellow French mailbox (boîte aux lettres) with a giant, glowing alphabet letter 'L' sticking out of the slot.

Word Web

Alphabet A, B, C Courrier Poste Timbre Enveloppe Message Écrire

Challenge

Write down the alphabet in French and say 'C'est une lettre' for each one. Then, write a short 3-sentence note to a friend and label it 'Ma lettre'.

Word Origin

The French word 'lettre' comes from the Latin word 'littera', which originally meant a letter of the alphabet. In the plural form, 'litterae', it meant an epistle, a written document, or literature.

Original meaning: Originally referred solely to a character of the alphabet in Latin. The meaning expanded over time to include the document made up of these characters.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > Old French > French.

Cultural Context

No specific cultural sensitivities, but be aware that failing to use the proper formal formulas in a professional 'lettre' can be seen as highly disrespectful in France.

In English-speaking countries, emails have largely replaced formal letters for job applications and administrative tasks. In France, the physical or formally formatted PDF 'lettre' remains much more prevalent and strictly regulated by etiquette.

'Lettres de mon moulin' (Letters from My Windmill) - A famous collection of short stories by Alphonse Daudet. 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' - A classic French epistolary novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. 'Lettres persanes' (Persian Letters) - A literary work by Montesquieu.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Post Office

Je voudrais envoyer cette lettre.
C'est pour une lettre recommandée.
Combien coûte un timbre pour cette lettre ?
Où est la boîte aux lettres ?

Applying for a Job

Voici mon CV et ma lettre de motivation.
J'ai rédigé une lettre formelle.
La lettre doit être impeccable.
En-tête de la lettre.

In School (Alphabet)

Quelle est cette lettre ?
Épelez le mot lettre par lettre.
C'est une lettre majuscule.
Il manque une lettre dans ce mot.

Administrative Tasks

Envoyer une lettre de résiliation.
J'attends une lettre des impôts.
La lettre est datée du 5 mai.
Signez au bas de la lettre.

Personal Communication

Je t'ai écrit une longue lettre.
C'est une lettre d'amour.
J'adore recevoir des lettres manuscrites.
Garder de vieilles lettres.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu écris encore des lettres manuscrites ou seulement des e-mails ?"

"Quelle est la lettre la plus difficile à prononcer en français pour toi ?"

"As-tu déjà dû écrire une lettre de motivation en français ? C'était difficile ?"

"Préfères-tu recevoir une vraie lettre par la poste ou un long message sur ton téléphone ?"

"Connais-tu l'expression 'passer comme une lettre à la poste' ? L'as-tu déjà utilisée ?"

Journal Prompts

Écris une courte lettre en français à ton toi du futur.

Raconte la dernière fois que tu as reçu une lettre importante par la poste.

Décris les différences entre écrire une lettre formelle et un e-mail informel.

Quelle est ta lettre préférée de l'alphabet et pourquoi ? (Sois créatif !)

Écris une lettre de motivation fictive pour le travail de tes rêves en France.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Lettre' is strictly a feminine noun. You must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as 'une lettre', 'la lettre', 'cette lettre', or 'ma lettre'.

No, it is not natural to use 'lettre' for an email in French. You should use 'un e-mail', 'un mail', or the official French term 'un courriel'. 'Lettre' implies physical paper.

'Courrier' is a collective noun that refers to mail in general (letters, bills, packages). 'Lettre' refers to one specific, individual piece of written correspondence in an envelope.

The standard term for a cover letter when applying for a job or university is 'une lettre de motivation'. It literally translates to 'a letter of motivation'.

'À la lettre' is an idiom that means 'to the letter' or 'literally'. If you follow instructions 'à la lettre', you follow them exactly as they are written, without changing anything.

The final '-tre' is pronounced with a crisp 't' followed by a soft, guttural French 'r' at the back of the throat. The 'e' is mostly silent. It is one syllable, not two.

A 'lettre recommandée' is a registered letter. It is used in France for official or legal matters (like canceling a lease) because it provides proof that the letter was sent and received.

Yes, absolutely. Just like in English, 'lettre' means both a piece of mail and a character of the alphabet (A, B, C, etc.).

'Boîte aux lettres' literally translates to 'box for letters' and it means a mailbox. It is where the postal worker delivers your mail or where you drop off mail to be sent.

This idiom translates to 'going like a letter through the post office'. It means that something happened very smoothly, easily, and without any problems or resistance.