merci pour votre temps
The English phrase "thank you for your time" is translated into French as merci pour votre temps.
This phrase is a polite expression used to show gratitude to someone for spending time on a task or conversation.
Which one should you use?
If you are finishing a presentation or a speech, it is much more natural to say merci de votre attention (thank you for your attention) rather than merci pour votre temps.
Did you know?
- The word temps is used in French for both 'time' and 'weather'.
- The word merci originally meant 'mercy' or 'reward' in the sense of a payment or a fee. This is why it is etymologically linked to the Latin mercēdem, which refers to wages or a price.
- In old French legal contexts, the root of merci was linked to 'mercy' in the sense of leniency or pity shown by a victor to a defeated enemy.
Examples in context
- Merci de m'avoir accordé votre temps pour discuter de ce projet. Je suis vraiment reconnaissant(e) de votre attention.Thank you for giving me your time to discuss this project. I truly appreciate your attention.
- Merci d'avoir pris le temps pour moi aujourd'hui. J'ai vraiment apprécié notre discussion.Thanks for taking the time for me today. I really enjoyed our discussion.
- C'était sympa de ta part de me consacrer du temps pour résoudre ce problème. Merci beaucoup pour ton aide.It was nice of you to give me your time to solve this issue. Thank you very much for your help.
Example conversation
Manon finishes a professional meeting with Lucas.
- ManonC'était une réunion très productive.It was a very productive meeting.
- LucasJe suis d'accord avec vous.I agree with you.
- ManonMerci pour votre temps, Lucas.Thank you for your time, Lucas.
- LucasJe vous en prie, Manon.You are welcome, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merci, pour, temps, votre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
