Merci
everyday
In French-speaking Switzerland "thank you" is Merci, and Merci beaucoup adds emphasis. Swiss French uses the same words as standard French here, so there is no special Swiss word. It is also called Merci bien.
Meaning: expressing thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Merci | everyday |
| Merci beaucoup | emphatic |
| Merci bien | friendly |
You can reply with Avec plaisir or Pas de quoi. Shopkeepers in Switzerland also commonly say Merci, bonne journée when you leave.
Which one should you use?
What differs in Swiss French is more in numbers like septante and nonante than in thanks, so a simple merci is understood without effort.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Merci works with anyone. You can add Monsieur or Madame to be more polite.
Did you know?
- Swiss French uses septante for 70 and nonante for 90, and Swiss prices are in francs.
Examples in context
- Merci beaucoup pour votre aide.Thank you very much for your help.
- Merci bien, à demain!Thanks a lot, see you tomorrow!
- Merci, bonne journée.Thank you, have a good day.
Example conversation
Eva buys bread in a bakery in Lausanne and speaks with the baker, M. Dupont.
- M. DupontVoilà, cela fait six francs.Here you go, that is six francs.
- EvaMerci beaucoup, bonne journée.Thank you very much, have a good day.
- M. DupontAvec plaisir, à bientôt!My pleasure, see you soon!
