non merci
/nɔ̃ mɛʁ.si/
non merci is the French way to say "no thank you".
This phrase is used as a polite way to decline an offer or a suggestion.
Meaning: polite way of saying no (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of non (no) and merci (thank you).
How does it change in a sentence?
In written French, a comma is typically used between non and merci to separate the two distinct parts of the expression.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃ mɛʁ.si/
Did you know?
- The word merci originally referred to 'wages' or 'a fee' rather than an expression of gratitude. This stems from the Latin mercēdem, meaning a reward or price paid for service.
- The word merci shares a root with the English word 'mercy'. In Old French, it referred to the power to show leniency or grant a pardon.
- While non merci is polite, saying only non can often sound brusque or even rude to a French speaker. Adding merci is not just a courtesy, it is a linguistic necessity to soften the refusal.
Examples in context
- Non merci, je ne bois pas de café.No, thank you. I don't drink coffee.This sentence shows how to use non merci to decline a beverage.Tatoeba #914151 by sysko, translation #2534593 by _undertoad
- Non merci. Je ne fais que regarder.No, thank you. I'm just looking.This sentence shows how to use non merci when declining assistance in a shop.Tatoeba #10644 by zmoo, translation #66813 by CK
- Non merci, j'ai déjà pris trois bonbons.No thank you, I already took three candies.This sentence shows how to use non merci to decline more food.Tatoeba #1081964 by nimfeo, translation #13885776 by tieguy
- Non, merci. J'en veux pas.No, thank you. I don't want any.
- Merci, mais non. J'ai déjà des trucs de prévus ce soir.Thanks, but no. I already have things planned for tonight.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan offers Emma a piece of cake in the office.
- GabrielTu veux un morceau de gâteau, Emma ?Do you want a piece of cake, Emma?
- EmmaNon merci, je n'ai plus faim.No thank you, I'm not hungry anymore.
- GabrielTu es sûre ? C'est très bon.Are you sure? It is very good.
- EmmaOui, non merci, Nathan.Yes, no thank you, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no thank you” translations and entries non merci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merci, non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
