bien, merci
In French, bien, merci is used to say "good thank you".
This phrase is a polite response used to tell someone that you are doing well after they ask how you are.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bien is an adverb meaning "well", which is why it is used to describe how you are doing.
Which one should you use?
While bien, merci is a standard response, you can add Très before it to say "very well, thank you" (Très bien, merci.). For a slightly more colloquial way to say you are doing well, you can use Ça va, merci.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ça va, merci is a very common, slightly more informal way to express that things are going well.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use bon (the adjective for "good") instead of bien (the adverb for "well") when responding to "How are you?"
Did you know?
- The word merci has a historical relationship with the word 'mercenary'. Both derive from the same Latin root related to pay or wages, highlighting the link between money and the concept of 'mercy' or 'thanks'.
- In certain contexts, saying merci can actually function as a way to ask for mercy or clemency. This stems from the word's historical connection to the concept of showing leniency to a debtor or a defeated foe.
- The word merci is used alone as a thank you, but in some contexts, it can also be used to politely decline an offer, similar to saying 'No thank you'.
Examples in context
- Très bien, merci.Very good, thank you.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say "Very good, thank you." using bien, merci.Tatoeba #474071 by sacredceltic, translation #464308 by lukaszpp
- Je vais bien, merci.I am doing well, thank you.
- Tout va bien, merci.Everything is going well, thank you.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé meet at a cafe.
- NathanSalut Chloé, comment vas-tu ?Hi Chloé, how are you doing?
- ChloéÇa va bien, merci. Et toi ?I'm doing well, thank you. And you?
- NathanÇa va, merci.I'm okay, thanks.
- ChloéC'est super !That's great!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
