The French phrase faire savoir means “to let someone know,” “to inform,” or “to make known.” It is a versatile expression used in both formal and informal contexts. Its structure is formed by the verb faire (to do/make) followed by the infinitive savoir (to know), and it often requires an indirect object to indicate the recipient of the information.

Faire savoir is commonly used in announcements, notifications, and polite requests. It is less casual than dire (to say/tell) and often implies formally or explicitly providing information.

usage and examples

• Je voulais vous faire savoir que la réunion est annulée.
  I wanted to let you know that the meeting is cancelled.
• Merci de me faire savoir votre décision dès que possible.
  Thank you for letting me know your decision as soon as possible.
• Il a fait savoir qu’il ne pourrait pas venir ce soir.
  He made it known that he could not come tonight.
• Nous vous faisons savoir que votre demande a été acceptée.
  We inform you that your request has been accepted.
• Elle m’a fait savoir qu’elle était intéressée par le poste.
  She let me know that she was interested in the position.
• Faites-moi savoir si vous avez besoin d’aide.
  Let me know if you need help.
• Ils nous ont fait savoir leurs intentions pour l’avenir.
  They made their intentions known to us for the future.

differences from similar verbs

• Dire: generally means “to say” or “to tell” without the formal or deliberate sense of faire savoir.
  • Il m’a dit qu’il viendrait. (He told me he would come.)
• Informer: closer to official or administrative contexts; often used in written communications.
  • L’administration vous informera des prochaines étapes. (The administration will inform you of the next steps.)
• Prévenir: emphasizes warning or alerting someone, often of a potential problem.
  • Préviens-moi si tu es en retard. (Warn me if you are late.)

summary

Faire savoir is a formal or polite way to indicate that someone is being informed of something. It is more deliberate than dire and less impersonal than informer. Commonly used in professional, official, or courteous contexts, it typically appears in statements, requests, or announcements where communicating information clearly is important.