Merci
neutral
In Quebec French Merci is the everyday word for "thanks". Quebecers answer with Bienvenue, which means "you're welcome". It is also called merci bien.
Meaning: informal thanks (interjection)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Merci | neutral |
| merci bien | friendly |
| bienvenue | reply, Quebec |
Merci fits everyone. Merci bien is warmer. For emphasis say Merci beaucoup.
Which one should you use?
In France the reply to merci is usually de rien or je vous en prie. In Quebec bienvenue is the common answer.
How do you pronounce it?
Merci sounds like "mehr-SEE".
Did you know?
- Answering merci with bienvenue is a well known feature of Quebec French.
Examples in context
- Merci pour le café!Thanks for the coffee!
- Merci bien!Thanks a lot!
- Merci! Bienvenue!Thanks! You're welcome!
Example conversation
Daniel holds the door for Sophie at a pharmacy in Montreal.
- SophieMerci!Thanks!
- DanielBienvenue!You're welcome!
- SophieBonne journée!Have a nice day!
