Merci pour votre compréhension
Merci pour votre compréhension is the French way to say thank you for your understanding.
This phrase is a polite expression used to thank someone for being patient or accepting of a difficult situation. It is commonly used in professional correspondence, such as emails or notices, to thank customers or colleagues for their patience regarding a delay, a change in policy or an inconvenience.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Merci (thank you), pour (for), votre (your) and compréhension (understanding).
Which one should you use?
When speaking to a single person you know well or a child, you should use Merci pour ta compréhension instead of Merci pour votre compréhension.
How does it change in a sentence?
While pour is common, using de in the phrase Merci de votre compréhension is considered slightly more elegant and formal in written French.
Did you know?
- In French corporate culture, Merci de votre compréhension is often used as a 'polite command'. It can signal that a decision is final and is not open for further negotiation.
- The word merci originally meant a 'reward' or 'payment' rather than an expression of gratitude. It is derived from the Latin mercēdem, which refers to a fee or a wage.
- If you are writing a very formal letter to a person of high status, you might expand the sentiment to Je vous remercie de votre compréhension. This avoids the clipped, almost automated feel of starting with just Merci.
Examples in context
- Merci de votre compréhension concernant la modification de nos plans de rencontre. Je suis reconnaissant(e) de votre flexibilité et de votre soutien.Thank you for your understanding regarding the change in our meeting plans. I am grateful for your flexibility and support.
- Le magasin sera fermé demain. Merci pour votre compréhension.The store will be closed tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding.
- Merci pour votre compréhension concernant ce retard.Thank you for your understanding regarding this delay.
- Merci pour votre compréhension face à cette situation.Thank you for your understanding in the face of this situation.
Example conversation
Lucas tells Manon that his appointment will be slightly late.
- LucasJe vais avoir dix minutes de retard, Manon.I am going to be ten minutes late, Manon.
- ManonCe n'est pas grave, Lucas, je vous attends.It is not a problem, Lucas, I will wait for you.
- LucasMerci pour votre compréhension.Thank you for your understanding.
- ManonJe vous en prie, à tout de suite.You're welcome, see you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compréhension, merci, pour, votre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
