pour l' effort
pour the effort
Literalmente: for the effort
Use it to kindly acknowledge someone's attempt when the outcome wasn't quite what was expected.
En 15 segundos
- Used to thank someone for trying, even if they failed.
- Commonly follows 'merci' to soften a critique or rejection.
- Focuses on the hard work rather than the final result.
Significado
This phrase is used to acknowledge someone's hard work or attempt, even if the result wasn't perfect. It's the French equivalent of saying 'thanks for trying' or 'A for effort.'
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6A friend cooks a meal that is slightly overcooked.
Merci pour l'effort, c'est vraiment gentil de ta part !
Thanks for the effort, it's really kind of you!
A colleague tries to solve a technical bug but can't.
Je vous remercie pour l'effort sur ce projet difficile.
I thank you for the effort on this difficult project.
Texting a friend who tried to find concert tickets but they were sold out.
Ah mince ! Merci pour l'effort quand même.
Ah shoot! Thanks for the effort anyway.
Contexto cultural
The French value the 'art of trying.' This phrase is often used to encourage language learners or children, reflecting a cultural shift toward positive reinforcement. Historically, French education was very strict, but modern social interactions favor acknowledging the 'intention' behind an action.
The 'Quand Même' trick
Always add 'quand même' (anyway) at the end to sound more like a native. 'Merci pour l'effort quand même' sounds much more natural.
Sarcasm Alert
In France, sarcasm is an art form. If you say this with a flat voice, people will think you are being mean. Keep your tone bright!
En 15 segundos
- Used to thank someone for trying, even if they failed.
- Commonly follows 'merci' to soften a critique or rejection.
- Focuses on the hard work rather than the final result.
What It Means
Imagine your friend tries to bake a fancy French soufflé for the first time. It comes out of the oven as flat as a pancake. You don't want to lie and say it's delicious, but you want to be kind. You say pour l'effort. It means you see the sweat and tears they put in. You are valuing the process over the result. It is a way to show appreciation for someone's energy and time. In English, we often say 'it's the thought that counts.' In French, this phrase specifically highlights the 'work' part of that thought.
How To Use It
You will almost always see this phrase paired with merci. The most common structure is Merci pour l'effort. It acts as a noun phrase. You can also use it to describe a situation, like C'est un bon début pour l'effort. It is very flexible. You can use it as a standalone comment if someone suggests a plan that doesn't quite work. It softens the blow of a 'no' or a critique. It tells the other person that their struggle was not invisible to you.
When To Use It
Use it when a colleague tries to fix a printer and fails. Use it when your partner tries to speak French but gets the grammar wrong. It is perfect for low-stakes failures. It is also great in a restaurant if a waiter is clearly overwhelmed but trying their best. In texting, it’s a quick way to show support. If a friend sends a long, confusing explanation for why they are late, you can reply with Merci pour l'effort to show you read it.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this when someone actually succeeds brilliantly. If your friend wins a marathon, saying merci pour l'effort sounds like a backhanded compliment. It implies they didn't actually do that well. Also, be careful with the tone. If you say it with a smirk, it becomes very sarcastic. Avoid using it in high-stakes professional reviews where you need to be strictly objective. It is a 'warm' phrase, so don't use it in 'cold' environments.
Cultural Background
French culture deeply respects 'le beau geste'—the noble attempt. There is a certain romanticism in trying something difficult even if you fail. This phrase reflects a society that values intellectual and physical labor. While the French can be perfectionists, they also have a soft spot for the underdog. The phrase is a cousin to C'est l'intention qui compte. It became a staple of everyday conversation because it balances French honesty with social politeness.
Common Variations
You will often hear C'est l'effort qui compte, which means 'it's the effort that counts.' If you want to be more formal, you might say Je salue l'effort. This sounds more like a public tribute. On the flip side, Beaucoup d'effort pour rien is a cynical version. It means 'a lot of effort for nothing.' Stick to the simple pour l'effort to stay on everyone's good side. It is the safest and most encouraging version for an A2 learner.
Notas de uso
The phrase is generally neutral but leans toward informal in daily conversation. Always ensure your intonation is supportive to avoid sounding patronizing.
The 'Quand Même' trick
Always add 'quand même' (anyway) at the end to sound more like a native. 'Merci pour l'effort quand même' sounds much more natural.
Sarcasm Alert
In France, sarcasm is an art form. If you say this with a flat voice, people will think you are being mean. Keep your tone bright!
The 'Participation' Culture
Unlike some cultures that only celebrate winners, the French have a term 'le prix de la consolation' (the consolation prize). This phrase is the verbal version of that prize.
Ejemplos
6Merci pour l'effort, c'est vraiment gentil de ta part !
Thanks for the effort, it's really kind of you!
Focuses on the kindness of the gesture rather than the food.
Je vous remercie pour l'effort sur ce projet difficile.
I thank you for the effort on this difficult project.
Professional way to show you value their time.
Ah mince ! Merci pour l'effort quand même.
Ah shoot! Thanks for the effort anyway.
The 'quand même' (anyway) is a perfect partner for this phrase.
C'est magnifique ! Bravo pour l'effort !
It's magnificent! Well done for the effort!
Used to encourage and build confidence.
On va dire 10/10 pour l'effort, mais 0/10 pour la blague.
Let's say 10/10 for the effort, but 0/10 for the joke.
A classic humorous way to tease a friend.
Je n'ai pas trouvé, mais merci pour l'effort.
I didn't find it, but thanks for the effort.
Polite way to end an interaction that wasn't helpful.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete this polite response.
Le gâteau est un peu sec, mais merci ___ l'effort !
In French, we use the preposition 'pour' (for) to indicate the reason for the thanks.
Which phrase makes this sentence a common French idiom?
C'est l'___ qui compte.
'C'est l'effort qui compte' is the standard idiom meaning 'it's the effort that counts.'
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Pour l'effort'
Texting a friend: 'Merci pour l'effort !'
Tkt, merci pour l'effort.
Talking to a neighbor or shopkeeper.
Merci pour l'effort, c'est gentil.
In a business email to a subordinate.
Je tiens à vous remercier pour l'effort fourni.
When to say 'Pour l'effort'
Bad Cooking
When the pasta is mushy.
Language Learning
When someone tries a new French verb.
Workplace
When a project doesn't get approved.
Sports
When a teammate misses a goal.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot exactly. 'Good job' implies success. Pour l'effort implies that they tried hard, regardless of whether they succeeded or failed.
Yes, but make it more formal. Say Je vous remercie pour l'effort instead of just Merci pour l'effort.
It can be. If they did a perfect job, just say Bravo or Excellent travail. Using pour l'effort might make them think you noticed a mistake.
Effort is the energy and will you put in. Travail is the actual task or job. You thank someone for the effort when you want to be personal.
Yes, using the possessive ton or votre makes it more specific to the person. For example: Merci pour ton effort.
Yes, it is used across the French-speaking world, though Quebecois might also use more English-influenced structures like bel effort.
You would say Ça n'en vaut pas la peine or Ça ne vaut pas l'effort.
Sure! If your partner tries to plan a surprise that goes wrong, Merci pour l'effort shows you still love the gesture.
Very often. Coaches use it to encourage players who are running hard but not scoring.
Don't confuse the French pour with the English verb to pour. It's a preposition meaning 'for'.
Frases relacionadas
C'est l'intention qui compte
It's the thought that counts.
Bien essayé
Well tried / Nice try.
Faire un effort
To make an effort.
Bon courage
Good luck / Hang in there.
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