Merci pour votre message
Merci pour votre message is the French way to say "thank you for your message".
This phrase is a standard way to begin a reply to an email or a formal text-based communication to acknowledge that someone has sent a written communication.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Merci (thank you), pour (for), votre (your) and message (message).
Which one should you use?
Using votre makes the phrase formal or directed at a group, whereas ton would be used in an informal setting. The form Merci pour ton message is the informal version used with friends, family or peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
While pour is common, de is also grammatically correct and often used in more formal written correspondence, such as Merci de votre message.
Did you know?
- In traditional French etiquette, saying merci in response to a compliment can sometimes be seen as a lack of modesty.
- The word merci originally meant 'a reward' or 'wages' in Latin. It evolved from the concept of a payment or a fee into the expression of gratitude we use today.
- The word merci can also mean 'mercy' or 'pity' in English. This dual meaning exists in French as well, where a plea for 'mercy' can be expressed using the same word used to say 'thank you'.
Examples in context
- Merci pour votre message, j'ai bien reçu les documents.Thank you for your message, I have received the documents.
- Merci pour votre message, je reviens vers vous demain.Thank you for your message, I will get back to you tomorrow.
- Merci pour votre message, c'est très gentil de votre part.Thank you for your message, that is very kind of you.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are exchanging professional emails.
- LucasMerci pour votre message, Manon.Thank you for your message, Manon.
- ManonJe vous en prie, Lucas.You're welcome, Lucas.
- LucasAvez-vous les informations pour la réunion ?Do you have the information for the meeting?
- ManonOui, je vous les envoie tout de suite.Yes, I am sending them to you right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merci, message, pour, votre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
