merci ma tante
The English phrase "thank you aunt" is translated into French as merci ma tante.
An expression of gratitude addressed to one's aunt.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "thanks my aunt" because ma means "my".
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, it is more natural to include the possessive adjective ma (my) when addressing an aunt directly than to use the English construction of omitting it.
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Example conversation
Léa receives a piece of jewelry from her aunt while Gabriel watches.
- LéaMerci ma tante, c'est magnifique !Thank you aunt, it is magnificent!
- GabrielJe suis ravie que ça te plaise.I am delighted that you like it.
- LéaC'est vraiment mon collier préféré.It is really my favorite necklace.
- GabrielTu es très belle avec, Léa.You look very beautiful with it, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ma, merci, tante, CC BY-SA 4.0.