Spanish word

merced

Pronunciation

IPA/meɾˈθeð/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfavor

Example

¿Me harías la merced de pasarme la sal?

Would you do me the favor of passing me the salt?

Illustration for merced (favor)

More examples

Le hice la merced a un compañero al cubrir su turno.

I did a favor for a coworker by covering his shift.

Core concept

A courteously offered act of kindness.

Common phrases

  • hacer la merced a alguien

    do a favor for someone

  • pedir la merced

    request a favor

Similar words

favor: Answers a direct request by doing an act that benefits or obliges someone in everyday speech.
ayuda: Offers hands-on help, time, items, or effort to resolve a need or difficulty.
servicio: Delivers a helpful service or task for others, often as part of a role or organization.
gesto: Signals goodwill with a short, intentional action that costs little but shows care.

Definition in Spanish

Favor o acto de bondad que se concede o se solicita; suele aparecer en la fórmula cortés «hacer la merced de + infinitivo».

Word origin

Spanish merced comes from Latin merces 'payment, reward', and its sense shifts from 'payment' to an offered act of goodwill.

Usage tips

  • Merced sounds somewhat formal and often appears in the fixed phrase "hacer la merced de + infinitive", so everyday speakers usually prefer por favor or hazme el favor.

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