A quick guide to say thank you in French!
“M e r c i ” a short, simple word, quite easy to pronounce. Being able to show gratitude is essential for us and for those around us.
Thanking your neighbour, family, friends, employee or employer (…) goes a long way!
** Merci **
“Merci” is the classic way to say “thank you” in French. You can use it in all types of situations.
** Merci beaucoup **
When you feel a simple “merci” would just not be enough, these are the right words to say.
** Merci d’avance **
Used to anticipate the thanks because we want/we know that what we are asking for will be accomplished. It can be taken for a command though.
** Merci de m’avoir aidé **
When you want to thank someone for something they did for you, you must use “merci de + verb”.
** Merci pour votre aide **
You can also use “merci pour + noun” to thank them for something they did for you.
** C’est gentil de ta/votre part **
A bit like “merci beaucoup”. This is to show that you really appreciate what has been done for you.
** Je vous remercie **
If you wish to sound more formal when you thank someone, these are the words to use.
** Merci bien **
“Merci bien” is a genuine thank. It is also something you could say to a shopkeeper:
— “Un croissant s’il-vous-plaît.
— Voilà, et avec ceci?
— Ce sera tout, merci bien.”
With the right intonation, it will be perceived as ironic and could be replace by “non merci”:
— “Faire la cuisine pour une cinquantaine d’adolescents turbulents et ingrats , merci bien!”