merci pour
The French phrase for "thank you for" is merci pour.
merci pour is used to express gratitude for something.
Which one should you use?
While merci pour is commonly used with nouns, merci de is often preferred in formal writing when followed by an infinitive verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because pour is a preposition, you must include a definite article (le, la, l' or les) if you are thanking someone for a specific noun, such as in merci pour le/la/les.
Did you know?
- English speakers might recognize a cousin of merci in the word 'mercy'. While the modern French word means 'thank you', the English word focuses on the original Latin sense of showing leniency or pity.
- The word merci originally meant 'wages' or 'price' rather than an expression of gratitude. It comes from the Latin word mercēdem, which refers to a payment or a fee.
- In France, simply saying merci can sound too abrupt in professional settings. To show genuine warmth and soften the tone, speakers often add beaucoup or follow merci pour with specific details.
Examples in context
- Merci beaucoup pour votre aide précieuse.Thank you very much for your valuable help.
- Merci d'être toujours là pour moi.Thanks for always being there for me.
- Je vous suis reconnaissant(e) de m'avoir accordé cette opportunité.I am grateful to you for giving me this opportunity.
- Je te remercie d'avoir rendu cette journée spéciale.I thank you for making this day special.
- Je tiens à vous remercier sincèrement pour votre soutien.I would like to sincerely thank you for your support.
- Je tiens à te remercier de toujours me comprendre.I would like to thank you for always understanding me.
- Merci pour le cadeau.Thank you for the gift.
- Merci pour les fleurs.Thank you for the flowers.
- Merci pour votre aide.Thank you for your help.
- Merci pour ce cadeau !Thank you for this gift!
Example conversation
Chloé gives Gabriel a book that he wanted to read.
- GabrielMerci pour le livre, Chloé.Thank you for the book, Chloé.
- ChloéJe t'en prie, Gabriel.You're welcome, Gabriel.
- GabrielC'est vraiment gentil de ta part.That is really kind of you.
- ChloéDe rien, profite bien !No problem, enjoy it!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merci, pour, CC BY-SA 4.0.
