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How to Say ‘Thank you, that's very kind.’ in French

Merci, c'est très gentil.

mair-see s eh tray zhahn-tee

[mair-see s eh tray zhahn-tee]

🇫🇷 In France: When a stranger compliments you, a simple thank-you like this is the natural reply. Waving it away can come across as awkward.

Phrase Breakdown

Merci,

mair-see

Thank you,

Say 'mair-SEE', with a soft throaty 'r' and the stress at the end.

Example

Merci beaucoup !

Thank you very much!

Words in this phrase

Merci

[mair-see]

thank you

A polite expression of one's gratitude.

Example

Merci pour votre aide.

Thank you for your help.

c'est très gentil.

s eh tray zhahn-tee

that's very kind.

Say 'say tray zhahn-TEE'. The 'l' at the end of 'gentil' is silent.

Example

C'est très gentil à vous.

That's very kind of you.

Words in this phrase

[s]

it / this

"C'" stands for "ce" and means "it" or "this" in expressions like "c'est."

Example

C'est agréable de parler avec une équipe accueillante.

It's pleasant to speak with a welcoming team.

est

[eh]

Third person singular present of be.

Example

C'est important.

It is important.

très

[tray]

very

"Très" is used to strengthen an adjective or adverb.

Example

Est très important pour garder une bonne ambiance.

Is very important for maintaining a good atmosphere.

gentil

[zhahn-tee]

kind / nice

Adjective used to describe someone as kind or nice.

Example

Après une aide, je peux dire : « C'est gentil ».

After some help, I can say: “That's kind.”

Guides for French learners

Ordering in French: Cafés, Bakeries and Restaurants (with Menu Vocabulary)How to order in French at a café, a bakery and a restaurant: the phrases, the questions staff ask, and the menu and food vocabulary to understand the answers.Hello in French: Greetings, Good Evening and How to Answer "How Are You?"How to say hello in French, when to switch to good evening, how to ask how are you and what to answer, with tu vs vous and native audio.

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