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avec plaisir

A2 adverb 15 min read

avec plaisir

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips avec plaisir in 30 Seconds

Explanation avec plaisir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are learning the basic building blocks of French politeness. 'Avec plaisir' is a wonderful phrase to add to your vocabulary because it is easy to remember and makes you sound very polite immediately. At this stage, you should use it as a simple 'Yes' when someone offers you something. For example, if someone asks 'Un café ?' (A coffee?), you can say 'Avec plaisir !' instead of just 'Oui'. It shows that you are happy to receive the coffee. You can also use it to say 'You're welcome' in a very friendly way. It is a 'set phrase', meaning you don't need to change any words in it. Just remember the two words: 'avec' (with) and 'plaisir' (pleasure). It is a great way to start positive interactions with French speakers. You might hear it in shops or when meeting new people. It is very common and always considered polite. Don't worry about the grammar; just use it as a complete answer. It is a 'magic phrase' that makes people smile because it shows you are enjoying yourself and the French language. Try to use it whenever you can to practice your pronunciation of the French 'r' at the end of 'plaisir'. Even if your French is very basic, using this phrase will make you sound much more natural and kind. It is one of the first 'politesse' (politeness) phrases you should master. Remember, in French culture, being polite is very important, and 'avec plaisir' is one of the best ways to show it. It is much better than just saying 'merci' or 'oui' all the time. It adds a bit of 'color' to your French. You can also use it when someone thanks you for a small favor, like holding a door open. It makes the interaction feel warmer. So, at A1, focus on using it as a positive 'Yes' and a warm 'You're welcome'. It's a simple tool with a big impact on how people perceive your French skills.

At the A2 level, you are beginning to understand the social context of phrases. 'Avec plaisir' is more than just a translation of 'with pleasure'; it is a social tool. You should now be able to use it in more varied situations, such as accepting an invitation to go to the cinema or dinner. When a friend says, 'Tu veux venir chez moi ce soir ?' (Do you want to come to my place tonight?), 'Avec plaisir' is the perfect response. It shows enthusiasm. You are also starting to notice that in some parts of France, people use this more than 'de rien' to say 'you're welcome'. You should try to use it in restaurants when the waiter brings your food and you say 'merci', and they reply 'avec plaisir'. You can also use it when you help someone. At this level, you should also be aware of the phrase 'Je veux bien', which is a slightly less enthusiastic way to say 'yes'. Comparing 'avec plaisir' and 'je veux bien' helps you express different levels of interest. Also, start practicing the intonation. A rising tone on the last syllable makes you sound genuinely happy. You can also start to use it in short sentences, like 'J'accepte avec plaisir'. This shows you are moving beyond single-word or two-word responses. It’s also important to know when NOT to use it, such as in response to an apology. If someone says 'pardon', you shouldn't say 'avec plaisir'. Use 'ce n'est rien' instead. Understanding these boundaries is a key part of reaching the A2 level. You are building a 'politeness toolkit', and 'avec plaisir' is one of the most useful tools in it. It works in formal and informal settings, making it very versatile. As you practice, you'll find that it helps you feel more confident in social interactions because it is a reliable, polite, and well-received response. It helps bridge the gap between being a student and being a speaker of the language.

As a B1 learner, you can now use 'avec plaisir' to manage more complex social interactions. You should be comfortable using it in professional settings as well as social ones. For example, in an email, you might write, 'C'est avec plaisir que je vous envoie les documents demandés.' (It is with pleasure that I send you the requested documents). This shows a higher level of linguistic sophistication. You should also be able to use the phrase to politely decline an invitation while still being gracious: 'Ce serait avec plaisir, mais je suis déjà pris.' (It would be with pleasure, but I am already busy). This 'conditional' usage is a hallmark of the B1 level, showing you can handle social nuances and 'save face' for yourself and others. You are also likely noticing regional differences. If you travel to the South of France, you will hear 'avec plaisir' used almost constantly as 'you're welcome'. Recognizing this regionalism is part of your developing cultural competence. You might also start to explore synonyms like 'volontiers'. Understanding that 'volontiers' is slightly more formal or 'classic' than 'avec plaisir' allows you to choose the right word for the right person. You should also be aware of the difference between 'avec plaisir' and 'ça me fait plaisir'. The latter is used to express that something someone else did made you happy, while the former is about your willingness to do something. For instance, 'Ça me fait plaisir de te voir' (It makes me happy to see you). At B1, your goal is to use 'avec plaisir' naturally in conversation, without having to think about the translation. It should become a reflexive part of your 'savoir-vivre'. You are also beginning to use it to soften requests or to show a collaborative spirit in a group. It’s a phrase that helps you integrate into French-speaking communities by showing you understand the emotional and social 'vibe' of the language.

At the B2 level, you have a firm grasp of 'avec plaisir' and can use it with nuance and stylistic flair. you should be able to vary the intensity of the expression by adding adverbs: 'avec un immense plaisir', 'avec un réel plaisir', or 'avec le plus grand plaisir'. These variations are useful in formal speeches, elegant correspondence, or when you want to show deep appreciation. You are also proficient at using it in complex sentence structures, such as using it as an introductory adverbial phrase to set the tone for a whole paragraph. For example, 'Avec plaisir, nous acceptons de parrainer votre événement, car nous partageons vos valeurs.' You understand that 'avec plaisir' is part of a larger system of French etiquette and can use it to navigate delicate professional situations. You might use it to accept a difficult task with a positive attitude, thereby demonstrating 'intelligence émotionnelle' (emotional intelligence). You are also aware of its use in literary or more formal contexts, where it might appear in the 'passé simple' or 'conditionnel passé' in written narratives. At this level, you should also be able to contrast it with more modern, slang-heavy alternatives like 'grave' or 'carrément' depending on your audience. You know that while 'avec plaisir' is never wrong, sometimes a more 'branché' (trendy) term is more appropriate for your peer group. Your pronunciation should be near-native, with the correct guttural 'r' and the voiced 'z' sound, ensuring the phrase sounds as elegant as it is intended to be. You are no longer just using the phrase; you are using it to project a specific persona—one that is polite, sophisticated, and culturally aware. You can also use it to subtly signal your regional affiliations or your knowledge of French social hierarchies. It’s a small phrase that, at the B2 level, becomes a powerful indicator of your overall fluency and cultural integration.

For C1 learners, 'avec plaisir' is a tool for stylistic precision. You understand its historical weight and its role in the 'rituels de politesse' (rituals of politeness) that define French interaction. You can use it in high-level professional negotiations to build trust and show enthusiasm without appearing desperate. You are adept at using it in written form, knowing exactly when to use 'C'est avec plaisir que...' versus 'Je vous informe avec plaisir que...'. You also recognize its use in classical French literature and can discuss how the concept of 'plaisir' has evolved from the 17th-century 'honnête homme' to the modern day. You might use the phrase ironically or with a specific rhetorical purpose in a debate or a sophisticated conversation. For example, accepting a challenge 'avec plaisir' to show confidence. You are also fully aware of the sociolinguistic implications of using 'avec plaisir' as a response to 'merci' in different parts of the Francophone world, including Africa and Canada. You can adapt your speech patterns to match the local 'norme' (norm) while maintaining your own stylistic voice. At this level, you might also explore the philosophical dimensions of the phrase—how the public expression of pleasure is a key component of French social harmony and 'le vivre-ensemble'. You can analyze how the phrase functions as a 'performative utterance', where saying the words actually creates the feeling of pleasure and social cohesion. Your usage is seamless, and you can switch between formal, neutral, and informal registers with ease, knowing that 'avec plaisir' is a versatile anchor in all of them. You might also use it in creative writing to characterize a person as being particularly gracious or, conversely, as being overly formal. It is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a cultural artifact that you can manipulate to express subtle shades of meaning.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'avec plaisir' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it with an effortless grace that reflects a deep internalization of French culture. You are capable of using the phrase in the most demanding contexts, such as high-level diplomacy, academic discourse, or sophisticated literary criticism. You understand the finest nuances of its placement in a sentence and how that placement changes the emphasis and the 'parfum' (scent/flavor) of the statement. You can engage in a meta-discussion about the phrase itself, perhaps debating its merits compared to 'je vous en prie' in a linguistics seminar. You are sensitive to the micro-rhythms of the phrase and how it fits into the broader prosody of your speech. In writing, you can use 'avec plaisir' to create a specific 'tonalité' (tonality) that ranges from the warmly personal to the impeccably professional. You might use it to subvert expectations in a poem or a play, or to anchor a complex argument in a relatable human emotion. You are also aware of how 'avec plaisir' interacts with other aspects of French identity, such as class, education, and regionality. You can navigate these complexities with ease, using the phrase as a way to connect with people across the entire social spectrum. For you, 'avec plaisir' is not just a way to be polite; it is a way to participate in the ongoing 'conversation' that is French culture. It is a small but vital thread in the rich tapestry of the language, and you use it with the skill of a master weaver. You recognize its echoes in the works of Molière, Proust, and modern-day screenwriters, and you can draw upon those echoes to enrich your own communication. It is, quite simply, a part of who you are as a French speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

avec plaisir in 30 Seconds

Used to accept invitations or offers with enthusiasm, translating to 'with pleasure' or 'I'd love to'.
Acts as a very polite and warm response to 'merci', meaning 'you're welcome' or 'my pleasure'.
It is a fixed, invariable phrase that works in both formal and casual social contexts.
Particularly common in the South of France and in service industries like restaurants and shops.

The French expression avec plaisir is a cornerstone of French politeness and social etiquette. At its most basic level, it translates to "with pleasure" or "gladly" in English. However, its utility in the French language extends far beyond a simple translation. It serves two primary functions in daily conversation: as an enthusiastic way to accept an invitation or offer, and as a gracious response to an expression of gratitude. When someone asks if you would like a second cup of coffee or if you can help them with a task, responding with avec plaisir signals not just compliance, but genuine enthusiasm and warmth. It transforms a standard interaction into a moment of shared positive affect, which is highly valued in French culture where the 'art de vivre' (art of living) often involves emphasizing the enjoyment of small moments.

Semantic Range: In English, we might say 'Sure,' 'No problem,' or 'I'd love to.' Avec plaisir covers all these but carries a slightly more elegant and formal weight without being stuffy.
Social Function: It acts as a 'social lubricant,' smoothing over requests and making the helper feel appreciated and the helped feel unburdened.

Historically, the concept of 'plaisir' (pleasure) in French discourse has always been linked to the courtly traditions of the Ancien Régime, where pleasing others was the highest social virtue. While modern usage is far less hierarchical, the linguistic DNA remains. Using avec plaisir suggests that the action being performed brings joy to the speaker, thereby removing any sense of debt or obligation from the recipient. It is particularly common in the service industry—waiters, shopkeepers, and hotel staff use it constantly to create a welcoming atmosphere. However, it is equally at home in a casual setting among friends. If a friend asks for a ride to the airport, saying avec plaisir is much more heartwarming than a simple d'accord (okay).

— Tu peux m'aider à porter ces sacs ? — Avec plaisir !

It is important to distinguish avec plaisir from other responses to thanks like de rien (it's nothing) or je vous en prie (I beg of you/you're welcome). While de rien minimizes the effort, avec plaisir emphasizes the satisfaction of the giver. In many regions of France, especially in the South (Midi), you will hear this phrase used as the standard 'you're welcome.' It reflects a cultural disposition toward hospitality and openness. For a learner, mastering this phrase is a quick way to sound more native and polite. It shows you aren't just translating word-for-word from English, but adopting the emotional cadence of French social interaction.

— Merci pour votre aide précieuse. — Avec plaisir, c'était la moindre des choses.

Furthermore, the phrase can be expanded. One might say C'est avec un immense plaisir que... (It is with great pleasure that...) in formal speeches or letters. This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for any French speaker. Whether you are at a boulangerie or a business meeting, knowing how to deploy this phrase correctly will instantly elevate your level of perceived fluency. It signals that you understand the 'politesse à la française'—the specific brand of French politeness that values mutual respect and the aesthetic of social harmony.

— Je vous sers un peu plus de vin ? — Avec plaisir, il est excellent.

Regional Nuance: In Toulouse or Bordeaux, 'avec plaisir' is the default response to 'merci', whereas in Paris, 'je vous en prie' remains more common in formal settings.

— On se voit demain à huit heures ? — Avec plaisir, j'ai hâte !

— Merci d'être venu nous voir. — Avec plaisir, c'était une soirée charmante.

Using avec plaisir in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it often functions as an elliptical expression—a complete thought condensed into a short phrase. Usually, it stands alone as a response, but it can also be integrated into longer structures to add a layer of sophistication. When used as a standalone response, it acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the implied verb of the question. For example, if someone asks, "Voulez-vous danser ?" (Do you want to dance?), the response avec plaisir implies "I will dance with you with pleasure." This brevity is part of its charm; it is efficient yet expressive.

Standalone Usage: Typically used after a question involving an offer or invitation. It requires no further grammatical support.
Integrated Usage: Can be used at the beginning or end of a sentence to modify the entire action: 'J'accepte avec plaisir' or 'Avec plaisir, je viendrai.'

In more formal or written contexts, you might see it used within a larger construction like C'est avec plaisir que... followed by a clause in the indicative. For instance, "C'est avec plaisir que nous vous informons de votre admission" (It is with pleasure that we inform you of your admission). Here, the phrase is emphasized by the c'est... que (it is... that) cleft construction, which is a common way in French to highlight a specific part of the sentence. This usage is very common in professional emails, invitations, and official announcements. It sets a tone of professional warmth and enthusiasm that is crucial for maintaining good business relationships.

— Puis-je vous offrir un verre ? — Avec plaisir, je vous remercie.

Another syntactical variation is using it to respond to a 'merci'. While de rien is the standard textbook answer, avec plaisir is increasingly popular, especially in the southern half of France. Grammatically, this is interesting because the 'pleasure' is directed at the act of having helped. It’s almost as if the speaker is saying, "Don't thank me, the pleasure was mine." This shift from the recipient's gratitude to the giver's satisfaction is a subtle but powerful linguistic move. It’s also worth noting that avec plaisir is an invariable phrase. You don't need to worry about gender or number agreement, which makes it a very 'safe' and reliable tool for learners at the A2 level.

J'ai accepté son invitation avec plaisir car j'aime beaucoup sa compagnie.

When writing, remember that avec plaisir can be followed by a comma when it starts a sentence, acting as an introductory phrase. For example: "Avec plaisir, je m'occuperai de la réservation." (Gladly, I will take care of the reservation). This structure places the emphasis on the speaker's willingness rather than the action itself. In spoken French, the phrase is often preceded by Ah ! or Oh ! to heighten the sense of spontaneous joy. For example, "Ah, avec plaisir !" sounds much more natural and friendly in a casual setting than the phrase alone. It shows you are engaged in the conversation and genuinely happy to participate.

C'est avec plaisir que nous acceptons votre proposition de collaboration.

Word Order: In a full sentence, place it after the verb: 'Il travaille avec plaisir.' In a response, it stands alone.

— Merci pour le café ! — Avec plaisir, j'espère qu'il est à ton goût.

Elle a répondu avec plaisir à toutes nos questions lors de l'interview.

If you walk into a French bistro, a high-end boutique, or even a local market, avec plaisir will be part of the acoustic landscape. In the service industry, it is the gold standard of responses. When a waiter brings your meal and you say "Merci," hearing avec plaisir in return is a sign of good service. It suggests that serving you is not just a job, but a pleasant interaction. This is particularly true in the South of France, where the phrase is used almost ubiquitously. In cities like Marseille, Montpellier, or Nice, it has largely supplanted de rien in everyday speech. It reflects the warmer, more extroverted social style of the Mediterranean regions.

The Service Industry: Waiters, concierges, and shop assistants use it to signal 'at your service' with a smile.
Dinner Parties: Hostesses use it when guests thank them for the meal or when offering more food.

In a social setting, such as a dinner party at a French home, avec plaisir is the perfect way to accept an offer. If your host asks, "Voulez-vous encore un peu de fromage ?" (Would you like a bit more cheese?), responding with avec plaisir is much more polite than a simple "Oui." It shows that you are enjoying the food and the hospitality. It validates the host's effort. Conversely, if you are the one helping—perhaps clearing the table—and the host thanks you, avec plaisir is the most gracious way to deflect the thanks back into a shared positive experience. It reinforces the bond of friendship and mutual enjoyment of the evening.

— Merci pour ce délicieux repas. — Avec plaisir, je suis ravie que ça vous ait plu.

You will also hear it in professional contexts. During a meeting, if a colleague offers to send you a report, you might say, "Merci, c'est gentil," and they will reply, "Avec plaisir." Or, if you are asked to take on a task that you are genuinely interested in, using avec plaisir signals your professional engagement and positive attitude. It’s a way to build 'rapport' (connection) with colleagues. In the workplace, it’s often used to soften the edges of requests and instructions, making the environment feel more collaborative and less purely transactional. It’s about 'savoir-être' (knowing how to be), a key French concept regarding social intelligence.

— Pouvez-vous m'envoyer le dossier par email ? — Avec plaisir, je m'en occupe tout de suite.

Finally, in French media—movies, podcasts, and radio shows—the phrase is a staple of polite dialogue. Interviewers often thank their guests for coming, and the guests almost invariably reply with C'est moi qui vous remercie, avec plaisir (It is I who thank you, with pleasure). This ritualized exchange of politeness is part of the formal structure of French public discourse. Even in more modern, fast-paced media, the phrase persists because it is so deeply ingrained in the linguistic habitus of French speakers. It’s a phrase that never goes out of style because politeness and the expression of pleasure are timeless values in the Francophone world.

— Merci d'avoir accepté notre invitation sur ce plateau. — Avec plaisir, merci à vous.

Public Transport: If you give up your seat for someone and they thank you, 'avec plaisir' is a very kind response.

— Tu m'accompagnes à la boulangerie ? — Avec plaisir, j'ai besoin de prendre du pain aussi.

— Merci pour les fleurs, elles sont magnifiques ! — Avec plaisir, elles m'ont fait penser à toi.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is using avec plaisir in situations where it feels too heavy or slightly out of place. While it is very versatile, it is not a 1:1 replacement for "No problem" in every single context. For instance, if you accidentally bump into someone and they say "Oh, sorry," you wouldn't say avec plaisir. That would imply you enjoyed the collision! In that case, you would use ce n'est rien or pas de problème. The 'pleasure' must be linked to a positive action or a choice, not a mistake or a neutral occurrence. Understanding the emotional weight of the word 'plaisir' is key to avoiding these awkward moments.

The 'No Problem' Trap: Don't use it for accidents or apologies. Use 'pas de souci' or 'ce n'est rien' instead.
Overuse in Formal Writing: In very formal administrative letters, 'avec plaisir' might be too personal. Opt for 'Nous avons l'honneur de...' or 'C'est avec joie...'

Another mistake is confusing avec plaisir with faire plaisir. While they are related, they function differently. You say ça me fait plaisir (that gives me pleasure) to express that something someone else did made you happy. You use avec plaisir to express that you are happy to do something for someone else. For example, if someone gives you a gift, you say "Ça me fait très plaisir !" If they ask you to help them open it, you say "Avec plaisir !" Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences where the direction of the 'pleasure' is unclear. It's a subtle distinction, but one that marks the difference between a beginner and an intermediate speaker.

Incorrect: — Pardon. — Avec plaisir. (Should be: Pas de souci.)

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. English speakers often struggle with the 'r' at the end of plaisir. It should be a soft, guttural French 'r', not a hard English 'r'. If the 'r' is too hard, it can break the flow of the phrase and make it sound less 'gracious'. Additionally, ensure you don't pronounce the 's' in plaisir like an 'ss' (as in 'snake'); it should be a voiced 'z' sound (as in 'zebra'). A common mispronunciation is 'play-seer', whereas it should be more like 'play-zeer'. Small phonetic details like this are what make the phrase sound authentic and polite rather than forced.

Correct: — Tu veux une part de gâteau ? — Avec plaisir !

Lastly, be careful with the register. While avec plaisir is neutral to formal, using it in extremely casual slang-heavy conversations might make you sound slightly 'vieux jeu' (old-fashioned) or overly polite. Among very close friends of the younger generation, you might hear Carrément ! (Totally!) or Grave ! (Heavily/Totally!) instead of avec plaisir when accepting an offer. However, avec plaisir is never 'wrong' or 'offensive'; it just might make you sound like a very well-behaved person. It’s always better to be slightly too polite than not polite enough when learning a new language.

— Je peux t'emprunter ton stylo ? — Avec plaisir, tiens.

Translation Error: Don't translate 'My pleasure' literally as 'Mon plaisir'. It's always 'Avec plaisir' or 'C'est un plaisir'.

— Merci d'être venu. — Avec plaisir, c'était génial.

— On fait une pause ? — Avec plaisir, je suis fatigué.

To truly master the nuances of French politeness, it's helpful to compare avec plaisir with its close relatives. Each alternative carries a slightly different shade of meaning or level of formality. For instance, volontiers is perhaps the closest synonym when accepting an offer. However, volontiers is slightly more formal and is often used for intellectual or formal invitations. If someone asks if you'd like to join a committee, volontiers is perfect. If they ask if you want a cookie, avec plaisir is more common. Volontiers literally means 'willingly,' which shifts the focus to your will rather than your pleasure.

Volontiers: Used primarily for accepting offers. It's polite, slightly formal, and very classic. Example: '— Un café ? — Volontiers.'
Je veux bien: A more casual way to accept an offer. It's like saying 'I'd like that' or 'Sure'. It's less enthusiastic than 'avec plaisir'.

When responding to 'merci', the most common alternative is de rien. This is the literal 'it's nothing'. It is neutral and safe for all situations. For a step up in formality, you have je vous en prie (or je t'en prie). This is highly polite and carries a sense of 'I beg of you (not to mention it)'. Avec plaisir sits between these two in terms of warmth—it's more personal than de rien but less formal than je vous en prie. In recent years, pas de souci (no worries) has become the go-to casual response among young people, though some purists find it a bit too informal for business settings.

— Tu m'aides pour le ménage ? — Volontiers, ça ira plus vite à deux.

In Quebec, the phrase ça me fait plaisir is the standard response to thanks, functioning exactly like avec plaisir does in the South of France. It’s important to recognize these regional preferences. If you use avec plaisir in Montreal, you will be perfectly understood, but you might sound like a tourist from France. Conversely, using ça me fait plaisir in Paris is also fine, but it might sound a bit more emphatic than necessary. Another alternative is c'est un plaisir (it's a pleasure), which is slightly more formal and often used when meeting someone new or completing a significant favor.

— Merci pour ton aide précieuse. — Je t'en prie, c'était normal.

For those who want to express even more enthusiasm, you can use avec grand plaisir or avec un immense plaisir. These are common in invitations to weddings, galas, or special events. Adding an adjective like 'grand' or 'immense' amplifies the sentiment and shows that the invitation is truly appreciated. On the flip side, if you need to decline an offer but want to be polite, you can say Ce serait avec plaisir, mais... (It would be with pleasure, but...). This is a very soft and polite way to say 'no', as it acknowledges that you would have liked to accept if circumstances were different. It saves face for both parties.

— Tu viens à ma fête samedi ? — Ce serait avec plaisir, mais je travaille.

C'est gentil: Often used alongside 'avec plaisir' to express gratitude for the offer itself: 'C'est gentil, avec plaisir !'

— Je vous apporte l'addition ? — S'il vous plaît, merci. — Avec plaisir.

— Voulez-vous un sachet ? — Je veux bien, merci beaucoup.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the 17th century, 'plaisir' was a key philosophical and social concept in France, central to the idea of 'galanterie' and the art of conversation. It wasn't just about personal fun, but about making social life beautiful and agreeable for everyone.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.vɛk plɛ.ziʁ/

US /a.vɛk plɛ.ziɹ/

The stress is slightly more on the final syllable 'zir'.

Rhymes With

Désir Loisir Choisir Saisir Mentir (approximate) Finir (approximate) Sourire (approximate) Vomir

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' in plaisir like 'ss' (it should be 'z').
Pronouncing 'ai' like 'ay' in 'play' (it should be 'eh' like 'get').
Using a hard English 'r' at the end.
Dropping the 'k' sound at the end of 'avec'.
Putting the stress on 'a' instead of 'zir'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in text.

Writing 2/5

Simple to write, though the spelling of 'plaisir' (ai/ir) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Requires practice with the French 'r' and the 'z' sound, but the phrase is short.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to hear as it is often a standalone response.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Merci Oui S'il vous plaît D'accord Plaisir

Learn Next

Volontiers Je vous en prie Pas de souci Ça me fait plaisir Enchanté

Advanced

Se faire fort de S'acquitter de Gré Dévouement Honnêteté

Grammar to Know

Adverbial Phrases

Like 'avec plaisir', phrases like 'avec soin' (with care) or 'avec patience' (with patience) modify the verb.

The Cleft Construction (C'est... que)

Used to emphasize 'avec plaisir': 'C'est avec plaisir que je vous aide.'

Fixed Expressions with 'Avec'

Expressions like 'avec plaisir' often drop the article before the noun.

Responding to Thanks

Different levels of formality: 'De rien' (neutral), 'Avec plaisir' (warm), 'Je vous en prie' (formal).

The Conditionnel for Politeness

Using 'Ce serait avec plaisir' to sound softer when accepting or declining.

Examples by Level

— Un café ? — Avec plaisir !

— A coffee? — With pleasure!

Standalone response used to accept an offer.

— Tu m'aides ? — Avec plaisir.

— Can you help me? — With pleasure.

Used to show willingness to help.

— Merci beaucoup ! — Avec plaisir.

— Thank you very much! — With pleasure.

Used as a friendly way to say 'you're welcome'.

— Voulez-vous un sachet ? — Avec plaisir, merci.

— Would you like a bag? — With pleasure, thank you.

Polite acceptance in a commercial setting.

— On joue au tennis ? — Avec plaisir !

— Shall we play tennis? — With pleasure!

Enthusiastic acceptance of a social activity.

— Un peu de sucre ? — Avec plaisir.

— A little sugar? — With pleasure.

Polite acceptance of a small addition.

— Tu viens avec nous ? — Avec plaisir.

— Are you coming with us? — With pleasure.

Accepting an invitation to join a group.

— Merci pour le cadeau. — Avec plaisir.

— Thanks for the gift. — With pleasure.

Responding to thanks for a gift.

J'accepte votre invitation avec plaisir.

I accept your invitation with pleasure.

Integrated into a full sentence after the verb.

— Tu veux du gâteau ? — Oh oui, avec plaisir !

— Do you want some cake? — Oh yes, with pleasure!

Preceded by 'Oh oui' for extra emphasis.

— Merci d'être venu me voir. — Avec plaisir, c'était sympa.

— Thanks for coming to see me. — With pleasure, it was nice.

Used as 'you're welcome' followed by a positive comment.

Elle a répondu avec plaisir à ma lettre.

She replied with pleasure to my letter.

Adverbial phrase modifying 'répondu'.

— On se voit demain ? — Avec plaisir, à quelle heure ?

— Shall we see each other tomorrow? — With pleasure, at what time?

Accepting a plan and asking for details.

— Je vous sers un verre ? — Avec plaisir, je vous remercie.

— Can I serve you a drink? — With pleasure, I thank you.

Formal acceptance in a social setting.

Il fait son travail avec plaisir tous les jours.

He does his work with pleasure every day.

Describes the manner in which an action is performed.

— Merci pour le coup de main. — Avec plaisir, n'hésite pas !

— Thanks for the hand. — With pleasure, don't hesitate!

Friendly response to thanks for help.

Ce serait avec plaisir, mais je ne peux pas ce soir.

It would be with pleasure, but I cannot tonight.

Polite refusal using the conditional 'ce serait'.

C'est avec plaisir que nous vous accueillons chez nous.

It is with pleasure that we welcome you to our home.

Cleft construction 'C'est... que' for emphasis.

Je vous accompagnerai avec plaisir à la gare.

I will accompany you with pleasure to the station.

Future tense verb modified by the phrase.

— Merci pour votre aide précieuse. — Avec plaisir, c'était la moindre des choses.

— Thanks for your precious help. — With pleasure, it was the least I could do.

Polite response to formal gratitude.

Il a accepté de témoigner avec plaisir.

He agreed to testify with pleasure.

Infinitive 'témoigner' modified by the phrase.

C'est un réel plaisir de travailler avec vous. — Avec plaisir, de même !

It's a real pleasure to work with you. — With pleasure, likewise!

Used as a reciprocal polite response.

Nous avons reçu votre invitation avec grand plaisir.

We received your invitation with great pleasure.

Adding 'grand' to intensify the sentiment.

— Voulez-vous goûter notre spécialité ? — Avec plaisir, ça a l'air délicieux.

— Would you like to taste our specialty? — With pleasure, it looks delicious.

Accepting an offer with a compliment.

C'est avec un immense plaisir que je vous annonce cette nouvelle.

It is with immense pleasure that I announce this news to you.

Formal introductory structure for announcements.

Elle s'est prêtée avec plaisir au jeu des questions-réponses.

She lent herself with pleasure to the game of questions and answers.

Pronominal verb 'se prêter' modified by the phrase.

Nous vous informons avec plaisir de la validation de votre projet.

We inform you with pleasure of the validation of your project.

Professional tone in a written notification.

Il a toujours servi ses clients avec plaisir et dévouement.

He has always served his clients with pleasure and dedication.

Paired with 'dévouement' to describe a professional attitude.

C'est avec plaisir que nous acceptons votre proposition de partenariat.

It is with pleasure that we accept your partnership proposal.

Standard formal response in business correspondence.

— Merci d'avoir partagé votre expertise. — Avec plaisir, c'était passionnant.

— Thanks for sharing your expertise. — With pleasure, it was fascinating.

Gracious response after a professional contribution.

Je reviendrai avec plaisir dans votre belle région.

I will return with pleasure to your beautiful region.

Expressing future intent with enthusiasm.

Elle a accueilli la proposition avec un plaisir non dissimulé.

She welcomed the proposal with undisguised pleasure.

Sophisticated use of 'non dissimulé' to modify 'plaisir'.

C'est avec un plaisir non feint qu'il a retrouvé ses anciens collègues.

It was with unfeigned pleasure that he reunited with his former colleagues.

Literary/formal use of 'non feint' (unfeigned).

Elle a accepté ce défi avec plaisir, y voyant une opportunité de croissance.

She accepted this challenge with pleasure, seeing it as an opportunity for growth.

Using the phrase to signal professional ambition.

C'est avec un plaisir renouvelé que nous organisons ce festival chaque année.

It is with renewed pleasure that we organize this festival every year.

Using 'renouvelé' to suggest ongoing commitment.

— Merci de nous avoir accordé cet entretien. — Avec plaisir, tout le plaisir est pour moi.

— Thank you for granting us this interview. — With pleasure, all the pleasure is mine.

Combining 'avec plaisir' with 'tout le plaisir est pour moi' for maximum politeness.

Il a parcouru ces pages avec plaisir, savourant chaque mot de l'auteur.

He went through these pages with pleasure, savoring every word of the author.

Describing the aesthetic enjoyment of reading.

C'est avec plaisir et émotion que je reçois cette distinction aujourd'hui.

It is with pleasure and emotion that I receive this distinction today.

Used in an acceptance speech.

Nous avons pris connaissance de votre rapport avec beaucoup de plaisir.

We read your report with a lot of pleasure.

Formal way to praise the quality of someone's work.

— Vous reprendrez bien un peu de ce vin ? — Avec plaisir, il est absolument divin.

— You'll have a little more of this wine, won't you? — With pleasure, it is absolutely divine.

Accepting a refined offer with high praise.

C’est avec un plaisir mâtiné de nostalgie qu’il est retourné sur les lieux de son enfance.

It was with a pleasure tinged with nostalgia that he returned to the places of his childhood.

Highly literary construction using 'mâtiné de' (tinged/mixed with).

Elle s'est acquittée de cette tâche ardue avec plaisir, faisant preuve d'un stoïcisme admirable.

She performed this arduous task with pleasure, demonstrating admirable stoicism.

Contrasting 'tâche ardue' (arduous task) with 'avec plaisir'.

C'est avec un plaisir sans cesse croissant que je découvre l'étendue de votre talent.

It is with ever-increasing pleasure that I discover the extent of your talent.

Sophisticated use of 'sans cesse croissant' (ever-increasing).

Il a accueilli la nouvelle de sa nomination avec un plaisir teinté de gravité.

He received the news of his appointment with a pleasure tinged with gravity.

Expressing a complex emotional state.

C'est avec plaisir, et non sans une certaine fierté, que je vous présente mon successeur.

It is with pleasure, and not without a certain pride, that I present my successor to you.

Using 'non sans' (not without) to add depth to the sentiment.

Elle a savouré avec plaisir la victoire, tout en restant humble face à ses adversaires.

She savored the victory with pleasure, while remaining humble toward her opponents.

Describing a nuanced reaction to success.

C'est avec plaisir que nous constatons la pérennité de notre collaboration.

It is with pleasure that we note the long-term sustainability of our collaboration.

High-level corporate/legal phrasing.

Il s'est immergé avec plaisir dans l'étude de ces manuscrits anciens.

He immersed himself with pleasure in the study of these ancient manuscripts.

Describing intellectual passion.

Common Collocations

Accepter avec plaisir

C'est avec plaisir que...

Avec grand plaisir

Avec un immense plaisir

Répondre avec plaisir

Servir avec plaisir

Accueillir avec plaisir

Toujours avec plaisir

Faire avec plaisir

Donner avec plaisir

Common Phrases

Ah, avec plaisir !

— An enthusiastic 'yes' to an offer or invitation. Adding 'Ah' makes it sound more spontaneous.

— Tu veux un chocolat ? — Ah, avec plaisir !

Oui, avec plaisir.

— A standard, polite way to agree to a proposal.

— On va au resto ? — Oui, avec plaisir.

Ce serait avec plaisir.

— Used to say 'I would love to', often followed by 'but' if declining.

Ce serait avec plaisir, mais j'ai un rendez-vous.

C'est toujours avec plaisir.

— Emphasizes that the action is always enjoyable for you.

— Merci de m'aider. — C'est toujours avec plaisir.

Tout le plaisir est pour moi.

— The pleasure is all mine. A very formal and polite response to thanks.

— Merci pour cette soirée. — Tout le plaisir est pour moi.

Avec le plus grand plaisir.

— With the greatest pleasure. Used for very special occasions.

J'accepte ce poste avec le plus grand plaisir.

C'est avec plaisir que je vous informe...

— A standard opening for a positive professional email or letter.

C'est avec plaisir que je vous informe de votre promotion.

Je le ferai avec plaisir.

— I will do it with pleasure. Used to confirm a task.

Ne t'inquiète pas, je le ferai avec plaisir.

Répondez avec plaisir.

— A prompt sometimes seen on informal invitations.

Venez nombreux et répondez avec plaisir !

Partager avec plaisir.

— To share something happily with others.

C'est une passion que je partage avec plaisir.

Often Confused With

avec plaisir vs Ça me fait plaisir

Used to say 'That makes me happy' (someone else's action), whereas 'avec plaisir' is your willingness.

avec plaisir vs De rien

'De rien' is more neutral and minimizes the effort; 'avec plaisir' is warmer and emphasizes the joy.

avec plaisir vs S'il vous plaît

'S'il vous plaît' means 'please' (a request), whereas 'avec plaisir' is an acceptance or response.

Idioms & Expressions

"Se faire un plaisir de..."

— To take delight in doing something, sometimes used ironically.

Il se fera un plaisir de vous contredire.

Neutral/Formal

"Pour le plaisir des yeux"

— Just for the pleasure of looking at something beautiful.

On regarde les vitrines juste pour le plaisir des yeux.

Neutral

"Finir en beauté et en plaisir"

— To end something perfectly and enjoyably.

La soirée a fini en beauté et en plaisir.

Social

"Joindre l'utile à l'agréable"

— To combine business with pleasure (literally: combine the useful with the pleasant).

En voyageant pour le travail, il joint l'utile à l'agréable.

Neutral

"Boudé son plaisir"

— To refuse to enjoy something or to act like you're not enjoying it.

Il ne faut pas bouder son plaisir quand on gagne.

Neutral

"Un plaisir de fin gourmet"

— A very refined or sophisticated pleasure.

Manger ce fromage est un plaisir de fin gourmet.

Formal

"Au plaisir !"

— Short for 'Au plaisir de vous revoir' (Looking forward to seeing you again). A casual goodbye.

Merci pour la visite, au plaisir !

Casual

"Faire plaisir à voir"

— To be a pleasure to see (often said of people who look happy or healthy).

Ta réussite fait plaisir à voir.

Neutral

"Prendre du plaisir à"

— To enjoy doing something.

Il prend du plaisir à jardiner le dimanche.

Neutral

"Un plaisir partagé"

— A shared pleasure (often used when someone says they enjoyed meeting you).

— J'ai été ravi de vous voir. — C'est un plaisir partagé.

Formal

Easily Confused

avec plaisir vs Volontiers

Both mean 'gladly' or 'with pleasure'.

Volontiers is only for accepting offers, never as a response to 'merci'. It is also slightly more formal.

— Un café ? — Volontiers. (Correct) — Merci ! — Volontiers. (Incorrect)

avec plaisir vs Plaisant

It's the adjective form.

Plaisant means 'pleasant' (describing a thing). 'Avec plaisir' is an adverbial phrase (describing an action).

C'est un jardin plaisant. Je jardine avec plaisir.

avec plaisir vs Plaire

It's the verb root.

Plaire is the action of pleasing. 'Avec plaisir' is the state of being pleased while doing something.

Cette musique me plaît. Je l'écoute avec plaisir.

avec plaisir vs Je veux bien

Both are used to say 'yes' to an offer.

'Je veux bien' is a simple 'yes, I'd like that'. 'Avec plaisir' is much more enthusiastic.

— Tu veux de l'eau ? — Je veux bien. (Neutral) — Avec plaisir ! (Excited)

avec plaisir vs Pas de souci

Both are responses to 'merci'.

'Pas de souci' is very casual and focuses on the lack of trouble. 'Avec plaisir' is more polite and focuses on the enjoyment.

— Merci ! — Pas de souci. (Casual) — Avec plaisir. (Polite)

Sentence Patterns

[Offer] ? -> Avec plaisir !

Un café ? -> Avec plaisir !

Merci ! -> Avec plaisir.

Je [Verb] avec plaisir.

Je viens avec plaisir.

Ce serait avec plaisir, mais [Reason].

Ce serait avec plaisir, mais je n'ai pas le temps.

C'est avec plaisir que [Clause].

C'est avec plaisir que je vous aide.

C'est avec un [Adjective] plaisir que [Clause].

C'est avec un immense plaisir que je vous annonce...

[Verb] avec plaisir [Direct Object].

Il a parcouru avec plaisir ces vieux documents.

C'est avec un plaisir [Participle] que [Clause].

C'est avec un plaisir mâtiné de regret que je pars.

Word Family

Nouns

Plaisir (pleasure)

Plaisantin (joker)

Plaisance (leisure/boating)

Verbs

Plaire (to please)

Complaire (to humor/please someone)

Adjectives

Plaisant (pleasant)

Déplaisant (unpleasant)

Volontiers

Joie

Bonheur

Satisfaction

Gré

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Using it for accidents. → Ce n'est rien / Pas de souci.
If someone says 'Pardon' for bumping into you, 'avec plaisir' implies you liked the bump. Use 'ce n'est rien' instead.
Saying 'mon plaisir'. → Avec plaisir / C'est un plaisir.
'Mon plaisir' is an anglicism. In French, we use the preposition 'avec' or the verb 'être'.
Pronouncing 'ai' like 'ay'. → Pronounce it like 'eh'.
The 'ai' in 'plaisir' is an open 'e' sound, like in the English word 'get'.
Using it in very formal administrative letters. → Nous avons l'honneur de...
While 'avec plaisir' is polite, very formal official letters often use more ritualized, less personal formulas.
Confusing it with 'ça me fait plaisir'. → Use 'avec plaisir' for your actions.
'Ça me fait plaisir' is for things that happen TO you. 'Avec plaisir' is for things you DO for others.

Tips

Southern Charm

If you are in the South of France, use 'avec plaisir' almost every time someone thanks you. It's a key part of the local identity and will make you fit in instantly.

Email Excellence

Start your positive emails with 'C'est avec plaisir que...'. It sets a constructive and friendly tone for the rest of the message.

Accepting Invitations

When a host offers you more food or drink, 'avec plaisir' is much more complimentary than 'oui'. It validates their cooking and hospitality.

No Article Needed

Remember that it's 'avec plaisir', not 'avec le plaisir'. In many fixed French expressions with 'avec', the article is dropped.

The Voiced Z

Ensure the 's' in 'plaisir' sounds like a 'z'. If you say it like an 's', it can sound like 'placer' (to place), which is a different word.

The Soft No

Use 'Ce serait avec plaisir, mais...' to decline an invitation without hurting the other person's feelings.

Add an Adjective

For big events like weddings, use 'avec grand plaisir' to show that you are truly honored by the invitation.

Mix It Up

Don't say 'avec plaisir' every single time. Rotate between 'de rien', 'je vous en prie', and 'avec plaisir' to sound more natural.

Wait for the Response

When you say 'merci' in a French shop, listen carefully to the clerk's response. It's a great way to hear 'avec plaisir' in a natural context.

Pleasure/Please

Remember that 'plaisir' is related to 'please'. It's about making the social situation 'pleasing' for everyone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Avec' (With) and 'Plaisir' (Pleasure). When you say it, imagine you are holding a 'Plate of Pleasure' to give to someone.

Visual Association

Imagine a waiter in a fancy French restaurant bowing slightly and saying 'Avec plaisir' as he serves a delicious dessert.

Word Web

Plaisir Plaire Plaisant S'il vous plaît Déplaisir Complaire Plaisancier Déplaire

Challenge

Try to use 'avec plaisir' at least three times today: once when someone offers you something, once when someone thanks you, and once in an email.

Word Origin

From the Old French 'plaisir', which was originally the infinitive form of the verb 'plaire' (to please). The verb 'plaire' comes from the Latin 'placere'. Over time, the infinitive became used as a noun to represent the concept of pleasure itself.

Original meaning: To be pleasing or agreeable.

Romance (Latin root 'placere').

Cultural Context

It is a very safe phrase, but using it with an obviously bored or angry tone can be perceived as highly sarcastic (more so than in English).

English speakers often use 'No problem' or 'Sure', which can sound a bit flat or even dismissive in French. 'Avec plaisir' is a more 'active' and warm form of politeness.

The phrase appears in countless French films to denote a character's graciousness. It is a common title for French lifestyle blogs and cooking shows. Used in classic literature (e.g., Balzac or Proust) to describe polite social exchanges.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

— Un peu plus d'eau ? — Avec plaisir.
— Voici votre plat. — Merci. — Avec plaisir.
— Puis-je vous proposer un dessert ? — Avec plaisir.
— L'addition, s'il vous plaît. — Avec plaisir.

In the Office

— Peux-tu m'aider sur ce dossier ? — Avec plaisir.
— Merci pour ton aide. — Avec plaisir.
— Tu viens déjeuner avec nous ? — Avec plaisir.
C'est avec plaisir que je vous envoie le compte-rendu.

At a Friend's House

— Tu veux une bière ? — Avec plaisir !
— Merci pour l'invitation. — Avec plaisir, c'est gentil d'être venu.
— On joue à un jeu ? — Avec plaisir.
— Je peux utiliser tes toilettes ? — Avec plaisir, c'est au fond.

In a Shop

— Désirez-vous un paquet cadeau ? — Avec plaisir.
— Merci, bonne journée ! — Avec plaisir, vous de même.
— Voulez-vous essayer cette taille ? — Avec plaisir.
— Puis-je vous renseigner ? — Avec plaisir.

Public Transport

— Prenez ma place. — Oh merci ! — Avec plaisir.
— Vous descendez à la prochaine ? — Oui. — Avec plaisir (rare, but possible if helping someone off).
— Merci de m'avoir laissé passer. — Avec plaisir.
— Vous voulez que je porte votre sac ? — Avec plaisir, merci !

Conversation Starters

"C'est avec plaisir que je vous rencontre enfin, j'ai beaucoup entendu parler de vous."

"— Vous voulez que nous commencions la réunion ? — Avec plaisir, j'ai hâte de voir vos idées."

"— Est-ce que je peux vous offrir quelque chose à boire ? — Avec plaisir, un verre d'eau suffira."

"— On se tutoie ? — Avec plaisir, c'est plus simple !"

"— Tu me montres tes photos de vacances ? — Avec plaisir, installe-toi."

Journal Prompts

Écris sur une fois où tu as aidé quelqu'un 'avec plaisir'. Qu'as-tu fait et comment t'es-tu senti ?

Imagine que tu reçois une invitation pour un voyage de rêve. Réponds à l'invitation en utilisant 'avec plaisir'.

Quelles sont les petites choses de la vie que tu fais toujours 'avec plaisir' ? Fais-en une liste.

Décris une interaction dans un café français où tu utilises 'avec plaisir'.

Pourquoi penses-tu que la politesse est importante dans une langue étrangère ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can! While 'je vous en prie' or 'de rien' are very common in Paris, 'avec plaisir' is perfectly understood and appreciated for its warmth. It is not restricted to the South, though it is more frequent there.

It is neutral to formal. It is polite enough for a business meeting but warm enough for a dinner with friends. It is rarely out of place.

'Volontiers' is only used to accept an offer and is slightly more formal. 'Avec plaisir' can be used to accept an offer AND to respond to 'merci'.

No. 'Mon plaisir' is a literal translation of 'my pleasure' but it is not used in French. You should use 'avec plaisir' or 'c'est un plaisir'.

You can say 'Ce serait avec plaisir, mais...' followed by your reason. This is a very common way to soften a refusal.

Yes, but Quebecers more commonly say 'Ça me fait plaisir' in the same situations where a French person would say 'avec plaisir'.

Yes, it is often used as a social formula of politeness, much like 'Pleased to meet you' in English, even if the meeting is just routine.

In the phrase 'avec plaisir', it is always singular. You never say 'avec plaisirs'.

Absolutely. It shows a positive, collaborative attitude and is very professional.

Overall, 'de rien' is the most common, but 'avec plaisir' is the most 'warm' and 'friendly' common response.