Lettre (en. Letter)

/lɛtʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Written communication

She received a letter from her friend.

Elle a reçu une lettre de son ami.

Set of graphic signs representing sounds

The French alphabet contains 26 letters.

L'alphabet français contient 26 lettres.

Official document

I sent a registered letter to the post office.

J'ai envoyé une lettre recommandée à la poste.

From the Latin 'littera', meaning 'character, letter'.

cover letter

Document used to apply for a job.

lettre de motivation

love letter

Message addressed to a loved one.

lettre d'amour

registered letter

Postal dispatch requiring proof of receipt.

lettre recommandée

literature

Collection of written works.

littérature

separate letter

Correspondence sent individually.

lettre séparée

A letter can designate a document with bad news.

I received a letter, and it doesn’t sound good.

J'ai reçu une lettre, et ça ne sent pas bon.

Sometimes used to refer to a word or informal message.

Send me a letter when you can.

Envoie-moi une lettre quand tu peux.