Non merci
The phrase 'no politely' in French is Non merci.
Non merci is the standard way to decline an offer or an invitation politely in French.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of non (no) and merci (thank you).
Which one should you use?
Using just Non without merci can sound blunt or even rude depending on the tone, whereas Non merci softens the refusal.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written French, a comma is typically placed between non and merci to separate the negation from the expression of gratitude as in Non, merci.
Did you know?
- The word merci shares the same root as the English word 'mercy'. Both words originally referred to a 'price' or 'reward' paid to a victor to spare a defeated person.
- In some French-speaking regions, if someone offers you more food and you say Non merci, they may still give you a small portion as a gesture of hospitality.
- While Non merci is polite, saying Merci alone while shaking your head can serve as a shorthand 'no thank you' in casual settings.
Examples in context
- Non, merci.No, thank you.
- Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne peux pas.I'm sorry, but I can't.
- Malheureusement, ce n'est pas possible.Unfortunately, it's not possible.
- Je suis désolé(e), mais j'ai déjà quelque chose de prévu.I'm sorry, but I already have something planned.
- Je crains de ne pas être disponible à cette date, mais pourrions-nous organiser ça un autre jour ?I'm afraid I won't be available on that day, but could we arrange it for another day?
- Je regrette, mais ça ne va pas être possible.I'm sorry, but it's not going to be possible.
- Je ne suis pas très doué(e) pour cela, mais je suis sûr(e) que tu trouveras quelqu'un d'autre.I'm not very good at that, but I'm sure you'll find someone else.
- Merci beaucoup, mais…Thank you very much, but…
- Non merci, je n'ai plus faim.No thank you, I am no longer hungry.
- Non merci, je connais déjà ce restaurant.No thank you, I already know this restaurant.
- Non merci, c'est très gentil de votre part.No thank you, that is very kind of you.
Example conversation
A street vendor offers Chloé a sample of fruit.
- NathanVoulez-vous goûter cette pomme ?Would you like to taste this apple?
- ChloéNon merci, je viens de manger.No thank you, I just ate.
- NathanUne autre petite part pour vous, Mademoiselle ?Another little piece for you, Miss?
- ChloéNon merci, mais merci pour la proposition.No thank you, but thank you for the offer.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merci, non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
