merci de votre compréhension
The English phrase "thank you for understanding" is translated into French as merci de votre compréhension.
This phrase is a polite expression used to thank someone for being patient or accepting a difficult situation. It is frequently used in professional correspondence, such as in emails or formal notices, to apologize for an inconvenience or a change in plans.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "thanks for your understanding".
Which one should you use?
While merci pour is often used for physical objects, merci de is the standard and more elegant way to express thanks for an abstract concept like compréhension.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
merci de votre compréhension and merci pour votre compréhension are both formal ways to say thank you for understanding. merci de ta compréhension and merci pour ta compréhension are used in an informal way.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using votre in merci de votre compréhension makes the phrase formal or directed at a group of people. You can use merci de ta compréhension when speaking to a single person you know well or use the "tu" form with.
Did you know?
- In very formal French administration, merci de votre compréhension can sometimes be perceived as a 'polite command'. It is often used at the end of a notice to signal that a decision is final and not open for negotiation.
- The word merci shares its ancient roots with the word 'mercy', as both descend from the Latin word for 'wages' or 'reward'.
Examples in context
- Merci de votre compréhension lors de cette situation délicate.Thank you for your understanding during this delicate situation.
- Merci pour votre compréhension concernant notre politique de remboursement.Thank you for your understanding regarding our refund policy.
- Je vous remercie sincèrement de votre compréhension dans cette affaire.I sincerely thank you for your understanding in this matter.
- Merci de ta compréhension, mon ami.Thank you for your understanding, my friend.
- Merci pour ta compréhension dans cette situation délicate, ma chérie.Thank you for your understanding in this delicate situation, my dear.
- Le train est en retard, merci de votre compréhension.The train is late, thank you for your understanding.
- Nous fermons exceptionnellement, merci de votre compréhension.We are closing exceptionally, thank you for your understanding.
Example conversation
Hugo informs Emma that he must reschedule their meeting.
- HugoEmma, je dois décaler notre rendez-vous.Emma, I have to reschedule our appointment.
- EmmaCe n'est pas grave, Hugo. Je suis disponible demain.It's okay, Hugo. I am available tomorrow.
- HugoParfait, merci de votre compréhension.Perfect, thank you for your understanding.
- EmmaJe vous en prie, à demain !You're welcome, see you tomorrow!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compréhension, de, merci, votre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
