Why do Catalans say merci?

To say thank you in Catalonia, the term “mercès” used to be used, but for reasons of phonetic beauty, it has been transformed into “merci”. Although it is socially considered to be a word inherited from French, it is only an evolution of a Catalan word.



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There are two official languages in the city: Catalan and Spanish. The overwhelming majority of Barcelona's residents consider themselves fully bilingual. That means they can switch from Catalan to Spanish with ease.

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Local Etiquette
  1. Don't talk politics. ...
  2. Do bring your own bags to shop in the market or supermarket.
  3. Don't have tapas for dinner. ...
  4. Don't show up for dinner before 9 p.m.
  5. Don't wear a Barça jersey except on a day where there's a game (unless if you're under ten years old).


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Some locals may speak English with you when they find out you're not Spanish, but more pride is attached to being fluent in one of the four recognized languages in Barcelona. A history lesson aside, you will find the locals are very friendly and can easily converse with foreign tourists.

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