merci et de rien
The English phrase "thank you and you are welcome" is translated into French as merci et de rien.
This phrase combines an expression of gratitude with a response used to acknowledge that gratitude. While merci et de rien is a combination, the component de rien is the standard way to say "you're welcome" in most French-speaking regions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase merci et de rien literally translates to "thank you and of nothing".
Which one should you use?
The component de rien is a common, somewhat casual way to say "you're welcome". In more formal settings, a speaker might use je vous en prie instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, people often use Bienvenue to mean "you're welcome".
Did you know?
- The word merci originally referred to a 'reward' or 'wages' rather than an expression of gratitude. It stems from the Latin word 'mercedem', which meant a fee or price paid for service.
- In very formal French, the response je vous en prie is used instead of de rien. This phrase literally asks the other person to 'pray' or 'beg' the speaker, signifying a high level of deference.
- The word merci shares an ancient linguistic root with the English word 'mercy'. Both words evolved from the idea of 'grace' or 'favor' provided to someone.
Examples in context
- Je vous remercieI thank you
- On peut dire merci et de rien.One can say thank you and you are welcome.
Example conversation
Léa returns a book to Hugo.
- LéaMerci pour le livre, Hugo.Thank you for the book, Hugo.
- HugoDe rien, Léa !You are welcome, Léa!
- LéaC'est simple : merci et de rien.It is simple: thank you and you are welcome.
- HugoExactement !Exactly!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, et, merci, rien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
