In the French business sphere, the first letter is particularly significant. It is seen as not merely informative, but an early indication of the professional style of the company writing. As such, even when you have been working with a Spanish-French translator from the outset, and with professional French translations, it is useful to know what is expected in that first point of contact.
A structured greeting and introduction
In professional French communication, the initial salutation is part of the usual protocol. Full phrases that are suitable for the context are used, even when the message itself is short. Starting a letter without a salutation or with greetings that are too informal goes against common practice in France.
Similarly, the first paragraph is usually used to provide the reader with background: who is writing, in what context, and with what purpose. That structure is particularly common in the first point of contact between companies.
Contextualize before making a request
In professional French, the request usually appears after a brief contextualization. Explaining the reason for the letter before making the request enables the reader to better understand the framework of the message.
When this step is missed, the letter may appear incomplete or too abrupt. This pattern is common in commercial French correspondence and it explains why the structure of the message is so relevant in professional French translations.
A formal, nuanced tone
A formal register is standard in initial exchanges. The use of indirect constructions, the conditional, and expressions of politeness, is common practice, even in simple communications.
This style doesn’t reflect personal distance, but professional convention. That’s why a letter that is correct from a grammatical point of view may not be appropriate if the tone is too direct. This aspect is especially significant in the work of a specialized French translator in a business setting.
A full, conventional closing
The end of the letter retains the same logic as the beginning. In France, full, structured phrases are used alongside a clear signature. Short or informal closings are incompatible with normal usage in initial professional communications.
These kinds of conventions consistently appear in French commercial correspondence, both in large companies and SMEs.
Conclusion: the first letter establishes expectations
For a French company, the first letter establishes a basis on which the professional relationship can be built. The form, structure, and tone give the reader information over and above the content of the message.
As such, working with French professional translations right from the outset, with a Spanish-French translator or a French to Spanish translator, makes it possible to ensure the message complies with the expected professional uses. At Blarlo, as specialists in multilingual business communication, we deal with these initial points of contact, paying particular attention to the context and register.
