Buzz
You might already know that "merci" (mair-see) means "thank you" in French, but alongside expressing gratitude, it's equally important to know how to respond when someone says "merci" to you. In casual situations, a simple "de rien" (duh ree-ehn) will suffice. However, there are numerous other ways to say 'you're welcome' in French, depending on the context and the person you're interacting with.
Steps
Formal Expressions
Use "je vous en prie" in formal or polite situations. The phrase "je vous en prie" (zheh vooz-ahng pree) employs the formal second-person pronoun "vous" to convey 'you're welcome' in formal contexts or when responding to someone older or in a higher position.
- This phrase is also appropriate when addressing elders or individuals of higher authority.
- If you're traveling in France and only learn one way to say 'you're welcome' in French, this is likely your best option. While it might seem overly formal in some scenarios, it ensures you won't offend anyone by being too casual.
Pronunciation Tip: Although the "s" at the end of "vous" is usually silent, it is pronounced when followed by a word starting with a vowel. These two words are linked together to form a liaison in French.
Use the phrase "merci à vous" after mutual assistance. In some situations, both you and the other person have helped each other. If they thank you first, you can respond with "merci à vous" (mair-see ah voo) to thank them in return.
- For example, if you and a colleague you're not close with have just completed a project together and they say "merci," you can reply with "merci à vous."
- This phrase also uses the formal pronoun "vous," making it suitable for situations where you don't know the person thanking you, they are significantly older, or hold a higher position.
Say "c'est moi que vous remercie" to someone who has just helped you. The phrase "c'est moi que vous remercie" (say mwah kuh voo reh-mair-see) means "I should be thanking you." If you thank a store employee for helping you choose an item, you might hear them respond with this phrase.
- Often, this phrase is shortened to "c'est moi." Native French speakers understand the implied meaning. The shortened form is typically used in less formal situations, such as when speaking to a stranger of a similar age.
Responding Casually to Thanks
Use "de rien" (duh ree-ehn) in most informal situations. Literally translating to "it's nothing," "de rien" is one of the most common ways to say "you're welcome" in French. You would typically use this phrase when someone thanks you for something relatively minor.
- For example, if you hold the door for someone and they say "merci," you can respond with "de rien."
- This expression is considered casual and should never be used in formal settings.
Switch to the phrase "il n'y a pas de quoi" instead of "de rien." The phrase "il n'y a pas de quoi" (ihl ny-ah pah duh kwah) translates to "It's nothing" and can be used interchangeably with "de rien."
- This phrase is often shortened. You might hear people say "n'y a pas de quoi," "yah pas de quoi," or simply "pas de quoi."
Use the phrase "je t'en prie" (zheh tahng pree) in more casual yet polite situations. This phrase uses the informal second-person pronoun "tu" combined with a slightly formal structure. It’s suitable when a friend thanks you in a polite context or for something significant.
- This phrase is less formal but not overly casual. It’s used when the situation feels more serious than those where "de rien" or similar phrases would apply.
Pronunciation Tip: The word "en" is a typical nasal vowel. The "ng" in the pronunciation guide reminds you to pronounce this word through your nose, similar to how you pronounce the word "song" in English.
Use the phrase "merci à toi" if the other person has also helped you. If you and a friend have worked together and they thank you first, you can respond with "merci à toi" (mair-see ah twah), meaning "I should thank you too." This is considered less formal because it uses the informal second-person pronoun "toi."
- In similar situations, you can also say "c'est moi qui te remercie" (pronounced mwah kee teh reh-mair-see) or simply "c'est moi."
Say "pas de problème" when someone thanks you for helping them with something. The phrase "pas de problème" (pah duh prah-blehm) is similar to saying "no problem" in English. If you’ve helped someone with a task and they thank you, this is an appropriate response.
- This phrase is akin to saying "don’t mention it" and is considered slang by some French speakers, especially older ones. It should only be used in informal settings.
Following Local Customs
Use "avec plaisir" (ah-vek play-zihr) in Southern France. This phrase translates to "with pleasure" and is commonly used in Southern France, especially around Toulouse. It’s a way to express that you were happy to help with whatever they’re thanking you for.
- Other regions in France typically don’t use this expression. However, in the South, you’ll often hear it instead of "de rien." It’s considered informal and best used with people you know well.
Use "bienvenue" (bee-ahng-veh-noo) in Canada. While "bienvenue" literally means "welcome" in French, it’s used in Canada to respond to thanks, unlike in other French-speaking regions. This usage is unique to Canadian French.
- In Canada, you can use this phrase in most contexts. However, it’s still advisable to use the more formal "je vous en prie" when speaking to someone significantly older or in a higher position.
Tip: French-speaking Canadians might also use "ça me fait plaisir" (sah meh fay play-zihr), which means "it’s my pleasure."
Say "s'il vous plaît" (sihl voo play) in Belgium. While this phrase literally means "please," in Belgium, it’s commonly used to mean "you’re welcome." The formal second-person pronoun indicates this is a polite response, suitable for replying to someone you don’t know well.
- If responding to a close friend, you can use "s'il te plaît" instead. However, remember that this usage is specific to Belgium and might not be understood elsewhere.
Use "service" (sehr-vees) in Switzerland. French-speaking Swiss often use the word "service" to respond to "merci." It essentially means "at your service." You can use this when someone thanks you for doing something for them.
- Outside of Switzerland, not everyone will understand this response to "merci."
Warning
- The pronunciation guides in this article are approximate to help English speakers grasp French pronunciation. It’s best to listen to native French speakers say these words and phrases and try to mimic them.
