gratitude
/ɡʁa.ti.tyd/feminine
The French word for 'gratitude' is gratitude.
gratitude is a noun used to describe the state of being grateful. In formal contexts, French speakers typically 'express' (exprimer) or 'show' (témoigner) their gratitude rather than simply 'having' it.
Meaning: state of being grateful (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun gratitude is feminine. When using the definite article 'the', you use la gratitude.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ɡʁa.ti.tyd/.
When do people say it?
Merci is the most common way to say 'thank you' in French. For more varied levels of appreciation, you can use the formal phrase Je vous suis reconnaissant(e) or the informal Un grand merci.
Did you know?
- The French language has a specific word, reconnaissance, which can mean 'gratitude' but also refers to the military act of scouting an enemy position.
- The word gratitude shares the same Latin root as the English word 'gratis', which means 'free of charge'. This connection highlights the idea of a gift being given without expectation of payment.
- In France, overly effusive expressions of gratitude in a professional setting can sometimes be perceived as insincere or as an attempt to flatter a superior.
Examples in context
- Je vous offre ma gratitude.I offer you my gratitude.This sentence shows how to offer one's gratitude.Tatoeba #3446547 by sacredceltic, translation #3446503 by pauldhunt
- Je voudrais lui exprimer ma gratitude.I would like to express my gratitude to her.This sentence is useful for expressing gratitude to someone.Tatoeba #585599 by sacredceltic, translation #261174 by CM
- Il donna un pourboire en signe de gratitude.He gave a tip as a sign of gratitude.This sentence illustrates using a tip as a sign of gratitude.Tatoeba #4096225 by sbamsbamsbam, translation #294915 by CM
- Merci pour votre aideThank you for your help
- Je vous remercie de votre générositéI thank you for your generosity
- Je vous suis reconnaissant(e) de m'avoir donné cette opportunitéI am grateful to you for giving me this opportunity
- Merci beaucoup pour ton cadeauThank you very much for your gift
- Je te remercie beaucoup pour ton aideI thank you very much for your help
- Un grand merci d'avoir été là pour moiA big thank you for being there for me
- Thanks pour ton aideThanks for your help
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are talking about a recent charity event.
- GabrielElle a ressenti une immense gratitude.She felt an immense gratitude.
- LéaC'est vrai, sa gratitude était visible.It's true, her gratitude was visible.
- GabrielJe partage ce sentiment de gratitude.I share this feeling of gratitude.
- LéaNous devrions tous agir avec gratitude.We should all act with gratitude.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gratitude” translations and entries gratitude, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gratitude, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
