The French phrase “de la part” is a versatile expression that appears in many contexts in everyday French conversation and writing. Its basic meaning is “on behalf,” although it can be translated in other ways.

Meanings

“De la part de” essentially means “on behalf of,” “from,” or “from the side of.” The complete phrase is “de la part de [someone],” though it’s often shortened to simply “de la part” when the context makes the source clear.

This expression serves several key functions:

1. Indicating the origin or source of a message, gift, or action
2. Representing someone in a formal or informal capacity
3. Attributing something to a specific person or entity

Common Usage Contexts

1. Message Delivery

One of the most frequent uses of “de la part de” is when delivering a message from someone else:

• “J’appelle de la part de Monsieur Dubois.” (I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Dubois.)
• “Je vous transmets ses salutations de sa part.” (I’m conveying his greetings on his behalf.)
• “C’est un message de la part du directeur.” (It’s a message from the director.)

2. Gifts and Offerings

When presenting something from another person:

• “Ce cadeau est de la part de toute l’équipe.” (This gift is from the entire team.)
• “Ces fleurs sont de la part de votre mère.” (These flowers are from your mother.)
• “J’ai apporté ce vin de la part de mes parents.” (I brought this wine from my parents.)

3. Business and Professional Contexts

In professional situations, particularly on the phone or in correspondence:

• “Je vous contacte de la part de Madame Martin.” (I’m contacting you on behalf of Mrs. Martin.)
• “Je vous écris de la part de notre service clientèle.” (I’m writing to you on behalf of our customer service department.)
• “Elle a postulé de la part de notre agence.” (She applied through our agency.)

4. Introductions and Recommendations

When making connections between people:

• “Je viens de la part d’un ami commun.” (I come referred by a mutual friend.)
• “Il m’a recommandé de vous contacter de sa part.” (He recommended that I contact you on his behalf.)
• “Je me présente de la part de votre collègue.” (I’m introducing myself on behalf of your colleague.)

Grammar and Structure

The complete structure is:

• De la part de + [person/entity]

When using this expression with pronouns, the structure becomes:

• De ma part (from me/on my behalf)
• De ta part (from you/on your behalf – informal singular)
• De sa part (from him or her/on his or her behalf)
• De notre part (from us/on our behalf)
• De votre part (from you/on your behalf – formal or plural)
• De leur part (from them/on their behalf)

Alternative Expressions

Several other French expressions can convey similar meanings to “de la part de”:

1. Au nom de (in the name of)
   • “Je parle au nom de tous les employés.” (I speak in the name of all employees.)
   • This is more formal and implies greater authority or representation.
2. En représentation de (representing)
   • “Elle est venue en représentation de l’entreprise.” (She came representing the company.)
   • More official and often used in professional or institutional contexts.
3. Pour le compte de (on account of, for)
   • “Il agit pour le compte de l’association.” (He acts on behalf of the association.)
   • Often used in business or legal contexts.
4. De la part de → à la demande de (at the request of)
   • “Je vous contacte à la demande de mon supérieur.” (I’m contacting you at my superior’s request.)
   • Emphasizes that the action was specifically requested.
5. Venant de (coming from)
   • “C’est un compliment venant de lui!” (That’s a compliment coming from him!)
   • More casual and often used to emphasize the source.
6. Par l’intermédiaire de (through, via)
   • “Le message a été transmis par l’intermédiaire de son assistant.” (The message was transmitted through his assistant.)
   • Emphasizes the intermediary role.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Some fixed expressions use “de la part de” in specific ways:

• “C’est bien de ta part” – That’s nice of you
• “C’est gentil de votre part” – That’s kind of you
• “De ma part, dis-lui bonjour” – From me, say hello to him/her
• “De la part de qui?” – On behalf of whom? (Common response when answering the phone)