merci beaucoup
/mɛʁ.si bo.ku/
merci beaucoup is the French way to say thanks a lot.
merci beaucoup is a phrase used to express a high degree of gratitude to someone. Like the English expression, it can be used sincerely to show appreciation or sarcastically to respond to something unhelpful.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of merci (thank/thanks) and beaucoup (much/a lot).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /mɛʁ.si bo.ku/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word beaucoup literally translates to 'a beautiful strike' or 'a nice hit', combining beau (beautiful) and coup (hit/strike).
- In some social contexts, using merci on its own can actually sound more abrupt or formal than the longer merci beaucoup.
- While merci beaucoup is a standard way to thank someone, in very formal settings French speakers often switch to je vous remercie, which literally means 'I thank you'.
Examples in context
- Merci beaucoup pour ton aide.Thanks a lot for your help.This sentence shows how to use merci beaucoup to thank someone for their help.Tatoeba #1118686 by sysko, translation #1492037 by CK
- Merci beaucoup pour l'invitation.Thanks a lot for the invitation.This sentence shows how to use merci beaucoup to thank someone for an invitation.Tatoeba #14116 by Julien_PDC, translation #5768330 by Cainntear
- Merci beaucoup. Je t'en sais gré.Thanks a lot. I appreciate that.This sentence shows how to use merci beaucoup to express appreciation.Tatoeba #3793213 by sacredceltic, translation #3791346 by Hybrid
- Merci beaucoup pour votre aide.Thank you very much for your help.
- Merci bien pour le cadeau !Thanks a lot for the gift!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is thanking Gabriel for bringing her a coffee.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup pour le café, Gabriel.Thanks a lot for the coffee, Gabriel.
- GabrielDe rien, Emma.You're welcome, Emma.
- EmmaC'est vraiment gentil de ta part.That is really kind of you.
- GabrielJe t'en prie.You're very welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry merci beaucoup, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beaucoup, merci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
