French for Accepting Criticism: 'Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus'
Learn to accept criticism in French by saying 'Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus' and asking follow-up questions to improve.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When someone gives you criticism in French, responding with 'Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus' shows you take it seriously and plan to improve. This lesson teaches you that phrase and how to ask questions to get specific feedback. Unlike accepting an apology, which ends the matter, accepting criticism opens a conversation about growth. You'll learn to use this in everyday situations, with polite phrasing and correct pronunciation.
By the end, you can…
- accept criticism in French by saying 'Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus.'
- ask follow-up questions to get more details about the criticism.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus.
Thanks, I'll work on that.
mair-see, zhuh vay trah-vah-yay lah-dsu
Standard polite response to criticism, implying you'll make an effort to improve.
Merci pour votre retour.
Thank you for your feedback.
mair-see poor voh-truh ruh-toor
Formal, often used in professional settings. Use 'ton retour' with friends.
Pouvez-vous me donner un exemple ?
Can you give me an example?
poo-vay-voo muh doh-nay un eg-zahmpl
Formal way to ask for clarification. Informal: 'Peux-tu me donner un exemple ?'
Qu'est-ce que je pourrais améliorer ?
What could I improve?
kess-kuh zhuh poo-reh ah-may-lyo-ray
Shows willingness to improve. Use in both formal and informal contexts.
Je vais faire attention à l'avenir.
I'll be careful in the future.
zhuh vay fehr ah-tahn-syon ah lah-vuh-neer
Promises future vigilance. Common after criticism about a mistake.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To accept criticism and commit to improvement, use 'Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus.' The phrase 'je vais' + infinitive expresses a near-future action. For example: 'Je vais travailler sur mon accent' (I'll work on my accent). To ask for specifics, use 'Pouvez-vous me donner un exemple ?' or 'Qu'est-ce que je pourrais améliorer ?' These questions keep the conversation constructive.
When to use it
Use these phrases when someone points out a mistake or suggests improvement, such as at work, in class, or among friends. For instance, if your boss says 'Ton rapport est en retard' (Your report is late), you can reply 'Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus.' If a friend says 'Tu parles trop vite' (You speak too fast), you can ask 'Qu'est-ce que je pourrais améliorer ?' Avoid using these if the criticism is unfair; instead, you might say 'Je ne suis pas d'accord' (I disagree).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Ton rapport était un peu en retard.
Your report was a bit late.ton rah-por ay-tay un puh ahn ruh-tarMerci, je vais travailler là-dessus.
Thanks, I'll work on that.mair-see, zhuh vay trah-vah-yay lah-dsuTu pourrais aussi ajouter plus de détails.
You could also add more details.too poo-reh oh-see ah-zhoo-tay ploo duh day-tahyD'accord. Qu'est-ce que je pourrais améliorer d'autre ?
Okay. What else could I improve?dah-kor. kess-kuh zhuh poo-reh ah-may-lyo-ray dohtrA little context goes a long way
In French-speaking cultures, especially in professional settings, accepting criticism with a polite 'Merci' and a commitment to improve is generally valued. Directly disagreeing can come across as rude; asking questions instead shows engagement. In informal contexts, you can be more relaxed, but still avoid sounding defensive. In Quebec, 'Merci' is also common, and you might hear 'C'est correct' as a casual acknowledgment.
One thing to watch for
Responding with 'Je suis désolé' (I'm sorry) when receiving criticism, as if accepting an apology.
Try this instead: Accepting criticism focuses on improvement, not apology. Use 'Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus' instead. For example, if criticized for being late, say 'Merci, je vais faire attention à l'heure' (Thanks, I'll watch the time).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'Thanks, I'll work on that' in French?
Show a sample answer
Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus.
This is the standard phrase. You could also say 'Merci, je vais m'améliorer' (Thanks, I'll improve), but the first is more common.
2What is a polite way to ask for an example after receiving criticism?
Show a sample answer
Pouvez-vous me donner un exemple ?
This is formal. Informally, you can say 'Tu peux me donner un exemple ?' Both are correct.
3Translate: 'I'll be careful in the future.'
Show a sample answer
Je vais faire attention à l'avenir.
This shows you'll be vigilant. Alternatively, 'Je ferai attention à l'avenir' uses the future tense, but 'je vais faire' is more common in speech.
Accept criticism in French with 'Merci, je vais travailler là-dessus' and ask 'Qu'est-ce que je pourrais améliorer ?' to show you're open to growth.
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