If you’ve ever come across the abbreviation “RV” while learning French or interacting with native speakers, you might be wondering what it means. Unlike in English, where “RV” commonly stands for “Recreational Vehicle,” the French meaning is quite different.
RV in French: Rendez-vous
In French, RV is an abbreviation for “rendez-vous”, which translates to “appointment” or “meeting” in English. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when scheduling a time to meet someone.
Examples of RV (Rendez-vous) in Use
Here are a few ways the abbreviation RV is used in French:
- J’ai un RV chez le médecin à 15h.
(I have an appointment at the doctor’s at 3 PM.) - On a un RV avec des amis ce soir.
(We have a meeting with friends tonight.) - Peux-tu confirmer notre RV demain matin ?
(Can you confirm our appointment tomorrow morning?)
Rendez-vous Beyond Just Meetings
While “rendez-vous” is often used for appointments, it can also refer to a romantic date or a gathering. For instance:
- Un rendez-vous amoureux – A romantic date
- Un rendez-vous professionnel – A business meeting
- Un rendez-vous médical – A medical appointment
RV vs. English RV (Recreational Vehicle)
If you’re referring to an RV as in a motorhome or camper in French, the correct term would be “camping-car” or “véhicule récréatif” (less common in France, but used in Canada). So if you’re talking about road trips and travel, be sure to use camping-car instead of RV!
The abbreviation RV in French stands for rendez-vous, meaning an appointment, meeting, or date. It’s a commonly used shorthand in casual and formal communication. However, if you’re referring to an RV as a motorhome, the correct French term is camping-car. Understanding these differences will help you avoid confusion and use the right terminology in the right context!
Have you ever scheduled an RV in French? Let us know in the comments below!
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