nous remercions Dieu
The English phrase "we thank God" is translated into French as nous remercions Dieu.
This expression is used to show gratitude to the deity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nous (we), remercions (thank/are thanking) and Dieu (God).
Which one should you use?
While nous remercions Dieu is a literal way to express thanks, the more common and idiomatic way to express a sense of "thank God" in religious or celebratory contexts is Dieu soit loué (Praise God). In everyday spoken French, if you want to express relief, the standard way to say "thank God" is Dieu merci.
How does it change in a sentence?
In everyday spoken French, the phrase Dieu merci is used as the standard way to express relief, whereas nous remercions Dieu sounds more formal and liturgical.
Did you know?
- In some historical French dialects, a person might use je instead of nous to mean 'we'. This usage was often mocked by writers like Molière for sounding like a peasant.
- The French word Dieu shares a deep prehistoric root with the Proto-Indo-European word *deywós, which is the ancestor of many 'god' words across different language families.
- While nous remercions Dieu is a formal phrase, the common exclamation of relief Dieu merci is used as a general phrase by both religious and non-religious speakers.
Examples in context
- Nous remercions Dieu pour cette bénédiction.We thank God for this blessing.
- Nous sommes reconnaissants envers Dieu pour son aide précieuse.We are grateful to God for His valuable help.
- Merci mon Dieu d'avoir répondu à nos prières.Thank you, my God, for answering our prayers.
- On remercie le bon Dieu pour cette belle journée ensoleillée.We thank the good Lord for this beautiful sunny day.
- Nous remercions Dieu pour cette pluie.We thank God for this rain.
- Nous remercions Dieu de nous avoir protégés.We thank God for protecting us.
- Nous remercions Dieu pour la santé de notre famille.We thank God for our family's health.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are sitting in a church after a service.
- ChloéNous remercions Dieu pour cette belle journée.We thank God for this beautiful day.
- GabrielOui, Chloé, c'est un vrai miracle.Yes, Chloé, it is a true miracle.
- ChloéGabriel, es-tu heureux de revenir ici ?Gabriel, are you happy to come back here?
- GabrielAbsolument, je me sens très en paix.Absolutely, I feel very peaceful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dieu, dieu, nous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
