“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” is the classic way to say “thank you” in French. You can use it in all types of situations.
When you feel a simple “merci” would just not be enough, these are the right words to say.
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.
When you want to thank someone for something they did for you, you must use “merci de + verb”.
You can also use “merci pour + noun” to thank them for something they did for you.
A bit like “merci beaucoup”. This is to show that you really appreciate what has been done for you.
If you wish to sound more formal when you thank someone, these are the words to use.
“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!”
