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Requesting Leave from Your Manager｜French Business Conversation
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When asking your manager for time off, it is important to use polite and indirect expressions.
Instead of simply saying “I’m taking leave,” it is better to phrase it as a request or application. This shows respect and gives a more professional impression.
In this lesson, I will introduce useful French expressions for requesting leave, along with grammar points and example sentences.
Contents
Dialogue
J’aimerais prendre quelques jours de congé la semaine prochaine.
(I would like to take a few days off next week.)
D’accord. Tu as déjà choisi les dates ?
(Alright. Have you already chosen the dates?)
Oui, du lundi au mercredi, si c’est possible.
(Yes, from Monday to Wednesday, if possible.)
Très bien. Je note ta demande et je te confirme demain.
(Alright. I’ll note your request and confirm with you tomorrow.)
Merci beaucoup, je vous remercie de votre compréhension.
(Thank you very much, I appreciate your understanding.)
1. Basic Expression: “To Take Leave”
In French, “to take leave” is expressed as “prendre des congés.”
- Je prends des congés en août.
(I am taking leave in August.)
To make it into a polite request, use the following expressions:
- J’aimerais prendre quelques jours de congé.
(I would like to take a few days off.) - Je voudrais prendre une semaine de congé.
(I would like to request one week off.)
j’aimerais / je voudrais (I would like to) sounds soft and polite.
“je veux” (I want) is too direct and should be avoided in business settings.
2. Indicating Dates
To clearly state your desired leave dates, use the structure “du … au …” (from … to …).
- du lundi au mercredi (from Monday to Wednesday)
- du 10 au 15 juillet (from July 10 to July 15)
The names of the days in French (lundi, mardi, mercredi, etc.) begin with lowercase letters.
3. Adding Politeness
When addressing a manager, add respectful phrases to soften your request.
- si c’est possible
(if possible) - je vous remercie de votre compréhension
(thank you for your understanding)
These expressions convey humility and professionalism.
4. Anticipating Your Manager’s Reply
Common phrases used by managers when approving or checking requests:
- D’accord. (Alright.)
- Je note ta demande. (I will note your request.)
- Je te confirme demain. (I’ll confirm with you tomorrow.)
Being familiar with these responses helps you prepare for workplace interactions.
5. Expressing Gratitude
After making your request, be sure to thank your manager properly.
- Merci beaucoup.
(Thank you very much.) - Je vous remercie de votre compréhension.
(Thank you for your understanding.)
While merci alone is polite enough, adding beaucoup or using the verb comprendre (to understand) makes your appreciation sound more formal and professional.
Summary
- prendre des congés
= the basic expression for “to take leave.” - j’aimerais / je voudrais
= polite ways to request. - du … au … = to indicate leave dates.
- si c’est possible / merci de votre compréhension
= phrases that add politeness and gratitude. - Be prepared for common managerial replies (D’accord / Je note / Je confirme).
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