au revoir et merci
The English phrase "goodbye and thank you" is translated into French as au revoir et merci.
au revoir et merci is a polite way to end a conversation or interaction while expressing gratitude.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Salut et merci is a more casual way to say 'goodbye and thank you' among friends or peers.
Did you know?
- The word merci used to mean 'reward' or 'wages' from the Latin 'mercēdem'. While we use it to express gratitude, its historical roots are tied to the concept of a payment or a price paid for a service.
- In French culture, failing to say merci when leaving a shop or cafe is often perceived as a significant social slight, whereas in some English-speaking cultures it is seen as optional.
- While au revoir literally means 'until seeing again', it is used even when the speaker has no intention of ever seeing the other person again.
Examples in context
- Au revoir et merci pour votre aide.Goodbye and thank you for your help.
- Au revoir et merci de m'avoir écouté.Goodbye and thank you for listening to me.
Example conversation
Gabriel is leaving a small boutique after buying a gift.
- GabrielJe prends ce livre, merci.I will take this book, thank you.
- LéaTrès bien, Monsieur.Very well, sir.
- GabrielAu revoir et merci pour vos conseils.Goodbye and thank you for your advice.
- LéaAu revoir, bonne journée !Goodbye, have a nice day!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, merci, revoir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
