How is a letter in French ended?

Answer 1

The endings in French letters usually are quite long and rather complicated. It depends on what your position is relatively to the sendee.

The common first parts of a letter's endings are the following:

''Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de ...'' (''I beg you to accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of ...'')

In that form you can replace "Madame, Monsieur" by the title or name of the person if you know it (Madame Dupont, Mademoiselle Dupont, Monsieur Dupont). When you don't know who will look at your letter, use the standard formula of the nouns "Madame, Monsieur".

If you are on friendly terms, you can fine tune the formula for "Chère madame Dupont" or "Cher monsieur Dupont".

The second part of a letter's ending is the feeling you want to express.

... "de mes sentiments distingués" ("with my distinguished feelings") is a standard, polite formula. It can be acceptable for non-committing letters, such as a letter from a client to a supplier asking for a catalog, etc.

An equivalent expression is "de mes sentiments les meilleurs" (''with my best feelings'').

Both forms are also correct when replying to someone has no hierarchical responsibility, or any form of power over you.

... "de mes sentiments respectueux" is used to show deference and respect. The sendee has a powerful position. It may be a good way to end a letter where you are applying for a position, for example.

... "de ma considération distinguée" has the same undertones.

If a French businessman is used with his counterparts writing that way, he doesn't expect a foreigner to use these formulas, which are very formal. And if you are simply writing to a friend or a penpal, you can dispense with them.

Answer 2

A letter in French is typically ended with the phrase "Cordialement" or "Bien cordialement," which translates to "Sincerely" or "With warm regards."