How to Say Thank You in French

Adding Madame or Monsieur to Thank You

Merci is understood everywhere and can be used on its own in a shop or a taxi. You can also add the address: merci, madame, or merci, monsieur. This is much more common in French than "sir" or "madam" is in English, and it makes the thanks more polite.

Why Bonjour Comes Before Thank You

In France the greeting matters more than the thanks. You say bonjour when you enter a shop, and before speaking to anyone at all. If you open with a question instead, even a polite one, the reception will be cooler. Bonjour first, then the business, then merci as you leave.

The Usual Replies to Merci

The common reply is de rien, which means "it's nothing". Je vous en prie is more formal, and is common in hotels and better restaurants. Avec plaisir, "with pleasure", is warmer and is widely used in the south.

• Merci beaucoup

  mair-SEE boh-KOO

  Thank you very much. Can be used anywhere merci can.

• Merci bien

  mair-SEE bee-AN

  Thanks a lot. Usually warm, but said flatly it can sound sarcastic.

• Merci infiniment

  mair-SEE an-fee-nee-MAHN

  Thanks without end, for someone who has gone out of their way to help you.

• Je vous remercie

  zhuh voo ruh-mair-SEE

  I thank you. Formal, for an official or for a letter.