bonjour et merci
The English phrase "hello and thank you" is translated into French as bonjour et merci.
A polite greeting combined with an expression of gratitude.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of bonjour (good day/hello), et (and) and merci (thank you).
Which one should you use?
While bonjour et merci is polite and standard, salut et merci is much more informal and should only be used with friends or peers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bonjour et merci is appropriate for formal or semi-formal settings, such as addressing a customer or a stranger.
Did you know?
- The word merci shares a root with the English word 'mercy'. Both originate from the Latin mercēdem, meaning 'wages' or 'price'.
- While bonjour is the standard greeting, it is strictly for daytime use. After sunset, it is considered a social error to use it, and bonsoir must be used instead.
- In some French regions, people may respond to merci with de rien, which literally translates to 'of nothing', rather than 'you are welcome'.
Examples in context
- Bonjour et merci pour votre aide.Hello and thank you for your help.
- Bonjour et merci d'être venu.Hello and thank you for coming.
- Bonjour et merci pour ce cadeau.Hello and thank you for this gift.
Example conversation
Chloé enters a small bakery and greets the baker.
- ChloéBonjour et merci pour le pain.Hello and thank you for the bread.
- HugoJe vous en prie, Chloé.You are welcome, Chloé.
- ChloéC'est très gentil, Hugo.That is very kind, Hugo.
- HugoBonne journée !Have a nice day!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bonjour, et, merci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
