Want to sound magnifique in French? The key is to learn how to express the same idea in different ways! Just as a skilled chef uses a variety of flavors to enhance a dish, you’ll need different ways to say and use “good” in everyday conversations. Expanding your vocabulary adds richness and flair to your French. So, if you’re excited to sound more natural and expressive, this guide is just what you need. Ready to dive in? Well then, allez-y!
Everyday Words for “Good”
Want to know how to use “good” in a common way in casual conversations? We’ve got you.
1. Bon
(English Translation: Good, Pronunciation: Bohn)
Wish to express how good the food, weather or a fragrance is? Bon is your go-to.
Example: Bon appétit! (Enjoy your meal!)
Ça sent bon. (It smells good.)
2. Bien
(English Translation: Well/ Good, Pronunciation: Bee-ehn)
Bien is usually used to describe a state of well-being.
Example: Je me sens bien. (I feel good.)
Il travaille bien. (He works well.)
3. Sympa
(English Translation: Nice/ Pleasant, Pronunciation: Sam-pah)
Sympa is used for describing something or someone as “nice” or “likeable” in an informal way.
Example: Les voisins sont vraiment sympas. (The neighbors are really nice/friendly.)
C’est un restaurant sympa. (It’s a nice/pleasant restaurant.)
Formal Words for “Good”
Want to move on to using “good” in a formal context? Here you go.
1. Excellent
(English Translation: Excellent, Pronunciation: Ek-seh-lahn)
Usage of this word emphasizes something that’s truly good, in a polite manner.
Example: Votre présentation était excellente. (Your presentation was excellent.)
Je vous remercie pour cet excellent repas. (Thank you for this excellent meal.)
2. Admirable
(English Translation: Admirable, Pronunciation: Ad-mee-rah-bluh)
Using admirable is suitable for formal settings when praising someone’s qualities, actions, or achievements.
Example: Votre dévouement envers l’entreprise est admirable. (Your dedication to the company is admirable.)
Votre générosité est des plus admirables. (Your generosity is most admirable.)
Idiomatic Expressions for “Good”
1. C’est chouette
(English Translation: That’s great/ nice,
Pronunciation: Say shwet)
Feel the need to express excitement in a creative way? C’est chouette is the informal answer!
Example: Tu as réussi ton examen? C’est chouette! (You passed your exam? That’s great!)
On va au cinéma ce soir? C’est chouette! (We’re going to the cinema tonight? That’s great!)
2. Formidable
(English Translation: Wonderful/ Marvellous
Pronunciation: For-mee-dah-bluh)
This is often used to describe someone or something as outstanding or great.
Example: Ils ont accompli un travail formidable. (They accomplished an impressive piece of work.)
C’était un concert formidable! (It was a wonderful concert!)
Using “Good” as a Compliment
1. Impeccable
(English Translation: Impeccable, Pronunciation: Im-pek-kuh-buhl)
This is the ideal way to say “perfect/ spot-on!” as a way to compliment someone.
Example: Son comportement était impeccable tout au long de la conférence. (His behavior was impeccable throughout the conference.)
La qualité du service était impeccable. (The quality of the service was impeccable.)
2. Magnifique
(English Translation: Magnificent
Pronunciation: Mag-nee-feek)
Magnifique is used to describe something that is extremely beautiful or impressive. This word carries a strong sense of splendor, and therefore must be used to talk about something you’re in awe of.
Example: La vue était magnifique. (The view was magnificent.)
Elle était magnifique dans sa robe. (She was magnificent in her dress.)
Contextual Phrases for “Good”
1. Pas mal
(English Translation: Pretty good, Pronunciation: Pah mal)
While it literally means “not bad”, it’s general used to
Example: La vue était magnifique. (The view was magnificent.)
Elle était magnifique dans sa robe. (She was magnificent in her dress.)
2. Bravo
(English Translation: Bravo
Pronunciation: Brah-voh)
Bravo is often used to express one’s enthusiastic approval about something or even to congratulate someone. It can also be used to praise something, like a theatre performance.
Example: J’ai entendu dire que tu as gagné le concours. Bravo! (I heard you won the contest. Bravo!)
Bravo! Quelle performance incroyable! (Bravo! What an incredible performance!)
Remember that making mistakes is the best way to learn! Were you intrigued while reading this article? Are you looking for structured guidance to master French vocabulary and expressions? Visit La Forêt French Class and start today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the French slang for “Good”?
Ans: “C’est nickel” is the closest slang version of “Good”. Go ahead, try and use it in a conversation with your friends!
2. What’s a more informal slang version of “Nice”?
Ans: “Chouette” is the slang version of saying nice while in a casual informal setting.
