"Avek Plaisir" is an expression that came into the Russian language from French without changing its meaning. It can often be found in Russian fiction of the XIX and XX centuries. It is used to this day in both written and oral speech.
Transfer
To understand the meaning of the expression, it is enough to turn to any French-Russian dictionary. The word "avec" (avec) means the preposition "c", and "plaisir" (plaisir) - "pleasure". Accordingly, "Avek Plezir" is translated as "with pleasure."
This expression is one of many surviving from the time when the entire aristocratic society spoke French in Russia.
The French will pronounce this expression with a solid sound [in] in the first word and soft [l '] in the second. The letter ai would be read after other consonants like [e], but a solid sound [l] does not exist in French. In Russian, there is a variant of pronunciation of the expression "Avek Plaisir" and with a solid [l], which is not a mistake, but is considered a more conversational version.
Currently, the expression is often used in an ironic sense.
Use cases
The closest synonyms for the expression "avek plezir", in addition to "with pleasure", are the words "willingly", "with pleasure", "with joy".
Most often they say that, they convey their consent to any proposal. Usually it is pronounced because of a desire to emphasize that a person will not be difficult to fulfill the request of the interlocutor: "Could you help me?" - "Of course, Avek Plaisir." Or to enhance gratitude. Example: "Try the pie, please" - "Thank you, Avek Plaisir."
In an ironic sense, expression is used when they emphasize themselves as opposed to "high society." A playful hue is conveyed by intonation. So they say, for example, in order to emphasize the frivolity of the situation or to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Examples
In the famous novel by M. A. Bulgakov, “The Master and Margarita,” in the chapter on a session of black magic in a variety show, Koroviev, one of the viewers asks to play with him in a deck of gold coins. "Avek Plaisir!" - responds Koroviev.
In the film of M.Z. Akharov, “Formula of Love,” Fedosya Ivanovna meets a foreign guest. Obviously, knowing only certain words in French, she says: "Sil wu ple, but wu pri, avek plezir." These are the three most famous French expressions of courtesy: "please, please, with pleasure."
In the film "DMB", the ensign in the restaurant pronounces "Troyes butey de vodka, Avek Plaisir" (three bottles of vodka, with pleasure). The episode shows that the expression is heard even by those who do not quite understand its meaning.