Merci, bonne journée
Merci, bonne journée is the French way to say "thank you have a good day".
This phrase is used to express gratitude and wish someone well as you conclude an interaction, such as when leaving a store or finishing a conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Merci (thank you) and bonne journée (good day/have a good day).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Merci, bonne journée is a standard, polite way to conclude an interaction with a shopkeeper, waiter or stranger.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase bonne journée, the word journée is used instead of jour because it refers to the duration or the span of the day being wished to the person.
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to this phrase is Merci, vous aussi (Thank you, you too).
Did you know?
- The word merci originally meant a 'reward' or 'wages' in Old French, stemming from the Latin 'mercedem'.
- If you say bonne journée after the sun has set, a French speaker may find it confusing because the phrase specifically wishes for a good 'daylight' span.
- Historically, the term merci was used to mean 'mercy' or 'pity', such as in the expression 'être à la merci de quelqu'un', meaning to be at someone's mercy.
Examples in context
- Je vous remercie et je vous souhaite une excellente journée.I thank you and I wish you an excellent day.
- Je tiens à vous exprimer ma gratitude et à vous souhaiter une journée très agréable.I would like to express my gratitude and wish you a very pleasant day.
- Merci beaucoup et passe une bonne journée!Thank you very much and have a good day!
- Je te remercie et je te souhaite une belle journée!I thank you and I wish you a beautiful day!
- merveilleuse journéeWonderful day
- Merci, bonne journée, monsieur !Thank you, have a good day, sir!
- Merci, bonne journée et à bientôt.Thank you, have a good day and see you soon.
Example conversation
Manon is leaving a bakery after buying bread.
- ManonVoici votre pain, mademoiselle.Here is your bread, miss.
- GabrielC'est parfait. Merci, bonne journée !It's perfect. Thank you, have a good day!
- ManonMerci, vous aussi !Thank you, you too!
- GabrielÀ bientôt, Gabriel.See you soon, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries journée, merci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
