뜻
To be completely dependent on someone or something, without power or control.
문화적 배경
The phrase is often used in political debates regarding 'la souveraineté' (sovereignty). French politicians frequently argue that France should not be 'à la merci' of the US, China, or financial markets. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly, but you might also hear 'être à la remorque de' (to be in the tow of) to describe a similar dependency, especially in economic contexts. Given the long coastline, expressions involving the sea are common. 'Être à la merci de la mer' is a very real, non-figurative fear for fishing communities. Classic French literature (like the works of Molière or Racine) uses 'merci' to mean 'discretionary power'. Understanding this helps in reading 17th-century texts.
Use with 'Laisser'
A very common advanced structure is 'Laisser quelqu'un à la merci de...'. It sounds very native.
Gender Trap
Never say 'au merci'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally from a language where 'mercy' is masculine or neutral.
뜻
To be completely dependent on someone or something, without power or control.
Use with 'Laisser'
A very common advanced structure is 'Laisser quelqu'un à la merci de...'. It sounds very native.
Gender Trap
Never say 'au merci'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally from a language where 'mercy' is masculine or neutral.
Dramatic Effect
In French literature, this phrase is used to show the 'tragic' side of a character. Use it sparingly in speech for maximum impact.
셀프 테스트
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte.
Les marins sont à ___ merci des vagues.
'Merci' est un nom féminin dans cette expression.
Quelle phrase est la plus naturelle ?
Contexte : Une entreprise qui risque de faire faillite à cause du marché.
C'est la seule forme grammaticalement et contextuellement correcte.
Associez le sujet à ce dont il est 'à la merci'.
Sujets : 1. L'agriculteur, 2. Le prisonnier, 3. Le skieur
Ces paires reflètent des relations de dépendance logique.
Complétez le dialogue.
A: Tu penses qu'on va gagner le procès ? B: Je ne sais pas, nous sommes désormais ___.
On est à la merci d'une décision ou d'un résultat.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Les marins sont à ___ merci des vagues.
'Merci' est un nom féminin dans cette expression.
Contexte : Une entreprise qui risque de faire faillite à cause du marché.
C'est la seule forme grammaticalement et contextuellement correcte.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
Ces paires reflètent des relations de dépendance logique.
A: Tu penses qu'on va gagner le procès ? B: Je ne sais pas, nous sommes désormais ___.
On est à la merci d'une décision ou d'un résultat.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, almost always. It implies a lack of control, which is generally perceived as a negative or vulnerable state.
Only if you are being poetic or hyperbolic, like 'I am at the mercy of your beauty.' Otherwise, it sounds like they are a tyrant.
In this idiom, they are synonyms. However, 'à la merci de' is the set phrase; you cannot say 'à la grâce de' in the same way.
Yes, very often to describe market risks or dependency on suppliers.
You would say 'Sans merci'. For example, 'Un combat sans merci' (A merciless fight).
Yes, 'se mettre à la merci de quelqu'un' means to voluntarily put yourself in a vulnerable position.
It is common in serious discussions, news, and storytelling, but less so in casual 'chatting' about daily chores.
No, it is followed by a noun or an infinitive, not a 'que' clause.
There isn't a single opposite, but 'être maître de la situation' (to be master of the situation) is a good antonym.
Because it requires understanding a secondary meaning of 'merci' and using it in nuanced, often abstract contexts.
관련 표현
Être sous la coupe de
similarTo be under the influence or control of someone.
Être tributaire de
similarTo be dependent on something for success.
Être le jouet de
specialized formTo be the plaything of (fate, etc.).
S'en remettre à
builds onTo leave it up to someone else.
