je vous en prie
/ʒə vu.z‿ɑ̃ pʁi/
The French phrase for "you're welcome (formal)" is je vous en prie.
This phrase is used as a polite response to acknowledge someone's thanks. While it translates to "I beg you" or "I pray you," it functions in conversation as a respectful way to say "you're welcome."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I pray you of it".
Which one should you use?
You should use je vous en prie instead of de rien when you want to show a higher level of respect or formality to a stranger or a superior.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun en within this phrase refers back to the specific action or thing for which the person is thanking you.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒə vu.z‿ɑ̃ pʁi/
Did you know?
- Beyond being a response to 'thank you', je vous en prie is used to politely invite someone to do something, such as enter a room or take a seat.
- The formal pronoun vous used in this phrase is a cognate of the Italian voi and the Russian вы.
- In a formal debate or high-level meeting, je vous en prie can be used to give the floor back to a speaker, meaning 'please continue'.
Examples in context
- Je vous en prie, Madame.You're welcome, Madam.
- Je vous en prie, c'est un plaisir.You're welcome, it is a pleasure.
- Non, je vous en prie.No, please, don't mention it.
Example conversation
Nathan opens a door for Manon in an office.
- NathanAprès vous, Madame.After you, madam.
- ManonMerci beaucoup, Nathan.Thank you very much, Nathan.
- NathanJe vous en prie.You're welcome.
- ManonC'est très gentil.That is very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry je vous en prie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, je, je vous en prie, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
