Non merci
/nɔ̃ mɛʁ.si/
The phrase "no gracias" is expressed in French as Non merci.
Did you know?
- The word merci shares a root with the English word 'mercy'. In Latin, the original word mercēdem referred to a 'wage' or 'price' paid to spare someone's life.
- While Non merci is polite, adding the word mais as in Non merci, mais… is a common cultural strategy in France to soften a refusal and avoid sounding too blunt.
- In a sarcastic tone, Merci ! can be used alone to mean 'thanks for nothing', essentially acting as a Non merci without needing the word 'no'.
Examples in context
- Non merci, je n'ai plus faim.No thank you, I am no longer hungry.
- Un café ? Non merci.A coffee? No thank you.
- Non merci, j'ai déjà mon propre parapluie.No thank you, I already have my own umbrella.
Example conversation
Lucas offers Manon some dessert at a cafe.
- LucasTu veux un peu de gâteau, Manon ?Do you want some cake, Manon?
- ManonNon merci, c'est très gentil de ta part.No thank you, that is very kind of you.
- LucasTu es sûre ? Il est délicieux.Are you sure? It is delicious.
- ManonOui, non merci, je suis rassasiée.Yes, no thank you, I am full.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry non merci.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merci, non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
