Merci et bonne journée
The English phrase "thank you and have a good day" is translated into French as Merci et bonne journée.
Merci et bonne journée is a standard, polite way to conclude an interaction in service settings, such as leaving a shop or a cafe.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Merci (thank you), et (and) and bonne journée (good day).
Which one should you use?
Use bonne journée instead of bon jour when wishing someone a good day as they depart, as journée emphasizes the duration of the day ahead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the feminine form bonne to agree with the feminine noun journée.
Did you know?
- The word merci originally referred to a 'payment' or 'wages' rather than an expression of gratitude. It stems from the Latin word mercēdem, which meant 'price' or 'fee'.
- Although merci is used globally, in some regional dialects or old slang, a person might say merci bien to be more emphatic, though it can sometimes sound ironic.
- French speakers often omit the et in rapid, casual speech when leaving a shop, simply saying Merci, bonne journée instead of the full Merci et bonne journée.
Examples in context
- Merci et bonne journée, monsieur.Thank you and have a good day, sir.
Example conversation
Emma is leaving a small bakery after buying a croissant.
- EmmaUn croissant, s'il vous plaît.A croissant, please.
- NathanVoilà, ce sera tout ?Here you go, will that be all?
- EmmaOui, merci et bonne journée !Yes, thank you and have a good day!
- NathanMerci, vous aussi !Thank you, you too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, journée, merci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
