Merci, mon cher
In French, "thank you, dear" is translated as Merci, mon cher.
The phrase is used to thank someone while employing an affectionate term for a man. It is intended for intimate or affectionate contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of merci (thank you), mon (my) and cher (dear/expensive).
Which one should you use?
While Merci, mon cher is used when addressing a man, you should use Merci, ma chère when addressing a woman. Additionally, the phrase Merci, mon chéri / ma chérie can be used to mean "Thank you, my darling" in informal contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Merci, mon cher is an informal phrase. It is used in affectionate settings and is not appropriate for formal or professional environments.
Did you know?
- If you use merci, mon cher to a stranger in a shop, you might sound like a character from a 19th-century period drama rather than a modern customer.
- Using mon cher can sometimes sound condescending or overly formal depending on the tone, even though it is labeled as informal. It is often used by older people addressing younger people to assert a social hierarchy.
- The word merci shares its origin with the English word 'mercy'. In Latin, the root word mercēdem referred to a 'price' or 'wage' paid to avoid punishment.
Examples in context
- Merci, mon cher, pour les fleurs.Thank you, my dear, for the flowers.
- Merci, mon cher, pour ton aide précieuse.Thank you, dear, for your precious help.
- C'est gentil, merci, mon cher.That's kind, thank you, dear.
Example conversation
Chloé is thanking Hugo for bringing her a coffee.
- HugoTiens, voici ton café.Here, here is your coffee.
- ChloéMerci, mon cher, c'est parfait.Thank you, dear, it is perfect.
- HugoJe t'en prie, Chloé.You're welcome, Chloé.
- ChloéTu es très gentil.You are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cher, merci, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
