non merci
/nɔ̃ mɛʁ.si/
The English phrase "no thanks" is translated into French as non merci.
non merci is a polite way to decline an offer or a suggestion.
Which one should you use?
While non merci is a polite way to decline, using only non (no) without merci (thanks) can sound blunt or even rude in many social situations.
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 phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃ mɛʁ.si/
Did you know?
- The English word 'mercy' shares the same root as merci, originating from the idea of a price or ransom paid for forgiveness.
- The word merci originally meant 'wages' or 'reward' rather than an expression of gratitude. This stems from the Latin word mercēdem, which referred to a fee or price paid for services.
- While non merci is polite, French culture often considers it more gracious to provide a reason for the refusal rather than just saying 'no thanks'.
Examples in context
- Non merci, je suis fatigué.No, thanks. I am tired.This sentence shows how to use non merci when explaining that you are tired.Tatoeba #4902568 by sacredceltic, translation #456509 by lukaszpp
- Non merci. Je ne fais que regarder.No, thanks. I'm just browsing.This sentence shows how to use non merci when you are just browsing.Tatoeba #10644 by zmoo, translation #822225 by sundown
- Non merci, nous ne prenons pas de dessert.No thanks, we won't have dessert.This sentence shows how to use non merci to decline dessert.Tatoeba #7780858 by felix63, translation #9773037 by asbronaut
- Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne peux pas accepter votre proposition.I'm sorry, but I cannot accept your offer.
- Désolé(e), mais je passe.Sorry, but I'll pass.
- Je vous remercie, mais non merci. J'ai déjà beaucoup mangé.Thank you, but no thanks. I've already eaten a lot.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are at a cafe.
- ManonTu veux un morceau de gâteau, Nathan ?Do you want a piece of cake, Nathan?
- NathanNon merci, je n'ai plus faim.No thanks, I'm not hungry anymore.
- ManonEt un autre café pour toi ?And another coffee for you?
- NathanNon merci, ça ira pour aujourd'hui.No thanks, that will be enough for today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
