Learn how to say “good” in French with our easy guide. Perfect for beginners and travelers looking to improve their language skills.
“Good” in French
Welcome to our blog on French language basics! One of the most important phrases to know in any language is how to say “good”. In French, there are a few different ways to express this concept. The two most common translations for “good” are “bon” and “bien”.
A pleasant day, a good book, or anything else might be referred to as “bon” in general. A little more precise and frequently used to denote that something is good or well is “bien.” To express “I am well” or “the lunch was pleasant,” for instance, you may use the word “bien”.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the various scenarios in which you may use “bon” and “bien” to mean “good” in French, as well as provide you with some examples so you can start incorporating these words into your everyday discussions.
The adjective “bon,” which is frequently used to describe things like “bonne nourriture” (excellent meal) and “bon vin,” is another way to convey “good” in French (good wine). Additionally, the French word for “good” is “agréable.” This adjective can be used to indicate pleasant experiences, as in “Cette soirée était agréable” (This evening was pleasant).
It’s also vital to keep in mind that French has many formal and polite expressions. For “well” or “I’m good,” one can use the casual expressions “ça va bien” or “ça va,” but the formal question “Comment allez-vous?” is typically answered with the phrase “Très bien, merci,” which translates to “Very well, thank you.”
Good in French: translation and examples
“Bon”
This is the most common and general way to say “good” in French. It can be used to describe anything from a good book to a good day. Examples: “Ce livre est bon” (This book is good), “Aujourd’hui est un bon jour” (Today is a good day)
“Bien”
This word is more specific and is often used to indicate that something is good or well. For example, you might use “bien” to say “I am well” or “the meal was good”. Examples: “Je vais bien” (I’m well), “Le repas était bien” (The meal was good)
“Beau”
This word is used to describe things that are beautiful or pleasing to the eye. It’s an adjective that is commonly used for art and nature. Examples: “Cette peinture est belle” (This painting is beautiful), “Les montagnes sont belles” (Mountains are beautiful)
“Excellent”
This word is used to describe something very good or of high quality. It’s often used to express a high level of satisfaction or admiration. Examples: “Ce vin est excellent” (This wine is excellent), “Son travail est excellent” (His work is excellent)
“Parfait”
This word is used to describe something perfect or ideal. Examples: “La température est parfaite pour une promenade” (The temperature is perfect for a walk)
Very good / all good
“Very good” in French is “très bien” and “all good” can be translated as “tout va bien”
FAQs on How to Say “Good” in French
- Q: What is the most common way to say “good” in French?
A: “Bon” is the most common and general way to say “good” in French. - Q: When do I use “bien” instead of “bon”?
A: “Bien” is more specific and is often used to indicate that something is good or well. For example, you might use “bien” to say “I am well” or “the meal was good”. - Q: How can I say “beautiful” in French?
A: “Beau” is used to describe things that are beautiful or pleasing to the eye. - Q: How can I say “excellent” in French?
A: “Excellent” is used to describe something very good or of high quality. - Q: How can I say “perfect” in French?
A: “Parfait” is used to describe something perfect or ideal. - Q: Can “bon” be used for people or is it only used for things?
A: “Bon” can be used for both people and things. For example, “Il est un bon ami” (He is a good friend) or “Ce livre est bon” (This book is good).
Learning French
In conclusion, depending on the situation and formality, there are numerous ways to say “excellent” in French. The most typical French greeting is “bonjour,” while other words like “bien,” “bon,” and “agréable” are also frequently used.
When employing these words in conversation, it’s crucial to take the situation into account as well as the level of formality.