What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of merci (thank you) and infiniment (infinitely).
Which one should you use?
Compared to the standard Merci beaucoup (thank you very much), Merci infiniment is more emphatic and carries a stronger sense of profound gratitude.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Merci infiniment is a formal and elegant way to express deep gratitude. For other levels of formality, you might use Merci beaucoup or Je vous remercie sincèrement (I sincerely thank you) in formal settings or the informal Je te remercie du fond du cœur (I thank you from the bottom of my heart).
When do people say it?
When someone thanks you, the most common way to respond is De rien (you're welcome). In casual situations, you can also use Pas de souci (No worries) or Avec plaisir (With pleasure).
Did you know?
- While merci is used for gratitude today, in Old French it was often used to ask for 'mercy' or pity from a conqueror to avoid being killed.
- The word merci shares a root with the English word 'mercy'. Both come from the Latin word mercēdem, which originally referred to a 'wage' or 'price'.
- While merci infiniment is elegant, using it in a casual setting like a supermarket might actually sound slightly dramatic or theatrical to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Merci beaucoup pour votre aide précieuse.Thank you very much for your precious help.
- Je vous remercie sincèrement de m'avoir accordé cette opportunité unique.I sincerely thank you for giving me this unique opportunity.
- Je vous suis reconnaissante de m'avoir soutenu dans ce projet.I am grateful to you for your support on this project.
- Merci bien pour ton aide.Thank you very much for your help.
- Merci infiniment pour votre aide précieuse.Thank you so much for your precious help.
- Merci infiniment pour ce magnifique cadeau.Thank you ever so much for this magnificent gift.
- Merci infiniment de m'avoir écoutée.Thank you so much for listening to me.
Example conversation
Lucas has just given Léa a bouquet of flowers.
- LéaOh, elles sont magnifiques !Oh, they are magnificent!
- LucasJe suis heureux qu'elles te plaisent.I am happy that you like them.
- LéaMerci infiniment, Lucas.Thank you so much, Lucas.
- LucasDe rien, c'est avec plaisir.You're welcome, it's my pleasure.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries infiniment, merci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
