Use correctly bon and bien

Last updated date : 3rd August 2024
Original published date : 12th December 2022

When learning French, two words you will often come across are “bon” and “bien.” Understanding how to use these terms correctly can improve your conversation skills significantly. While both words may translate to “good” in English, they are not interchangeable and have distinct meanings based on context.

“Bon” is generally an adjective, used to describe nouns, while “bien” is an adverb, used to describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. For example, you would say “un bon plat” (a good dish) and “elle cuisine bien” (she cooks well). By grasping this simple rule, you can avoid common mistakes and sound more fluent in your conversations.

Learning the differences between “bon” and “bien” is crucial for effective communication in French. Engage with the details in this article to refine your understanding and usage of these important words.

Firstly, bon and bien are two important words in French. They are often confused, but each has its own specific meaning and usage. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to express yourself clearly and accurately.

Bon translates to good. It is an adjective and is used to describe nouns. For example, in the phrase “un bon gâteau,” it means “a good cake.” The word comes from Latin Bonus, which also means good.

Bien, on the other hand, means well or goodly. It is usually an adverb and is used to describe verbs or adjectives. For instance, in “Nous travaillons bien,” it translates to “We work well.” The origin of bien is Latin Bene, meaning well.

You use bon in contexts where you want to modify a noun. It can express quality, satisfaction, or suitability. Here are a few examples:

• Une bonne tarte (a good tarte)
• De bons restaurants (good restaurants)

In contrast, bien is used to modify actions or state conditions. It helps describe how something is done. Consider these examples:

• Tu vas bien ? (Are you going well?)
• Il chante bien (He sings well)

Remember, using bon for nouns and bien for actions will help you communicate more clearly in French. These distinctions help ensure accurate expression in conversation and writing.

Understanding how to use “bon” and “bien” correctly involves knowing their grammatical roles. Each word has distinct functions that affect how they fit into sentences.

“Bon” means “good” and acts as an adjective. It describes nouns, giving more detail about their quality. For example, “C’est une bonne idée” means “It is a good idea.” In this sentence, “bon” modifies “idée.”

When using “bon,” pay attention to gender and number. “Bon” becomes “bonne” for feminine nouns. For plural nouns, you use “bons” for masculine and “bonnes” for feminine. For instance:

• un bon gâteau = a good cake
• une bonne tarte = a good pie
• de bons repas = good meals
• de bonnes glaces = good ice-creams

To remember : ‘bon’ always comes before the noun.

“Bien” means well, correctly, right and serves as an adverb. It describes verbs, telling how an action is performed. For example, “Elle conduit bien” means “She drives well.” Here, “bien” modifies the verb “conduire.”

“Bien” does not change form based on gender or number, making it simpler to use in sentences.

Using “bon” and “bien” correctly relies on remembering their specific roles in sentences. Remember that generally “bon” modifies nouns, while “bien” modifies verbs. The same rule applies to mauvais (adjective) and mal (adverb).

Understanding how to use “bon” and “bien” correctly involves knowing their grammatical roles. Each word has distinct functions that affect how they fit into sentences.

When you describe something as “good” in terms of quality, you use “bon.” For example, if you like a meal, you can say, C’est un bon plat (It’s a good dish).

Here are some examples:

• Bon can describe food: Ce gâteau est bon (This cake is good).
• It can describe a person: C’est un bon copain (He is a good friend).

“Bon” agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes. For example, bons for masculine plural or bonnes for feminine plural.

To express how something is done, you use “bien.” This word translates to “well” in English. For instance, if you want to say someone speaks French well, you would say, Elle parle bien français (She speaks French well).

Examples include:

• Describing abilities: La télé ne marche pas bien (The TV doesn’t work well).
• Talking about performance: Tu as bien travaillé aujourd’hui (You worked well today).

“Bien” does not change form based on gender or number. It stays the same regardless of what you are describing.

In addition, ‘bon’ and ‘bien’ have different nuances when used in expressions c’est + (it is). Let’s see below with a few examples :

In French, “bon” and “bien” are used in many common expressions by native speakers. Understanding these phrases helps you use them correctly in everyday conversations and improves your overall communication.

1. Bon appétit
   This phrase means “enjoy your meal.” It’s commonly used before eating. When someone is about to eat, you can say this to show courtesy.
2. C’est bon
   Translated as “it’s good,” this can refer to food, a feeling, or a situation. You can say this when everything is Ok. Just be careful as this expression can also mean ‘that’s enough’ (c’est bon, ça suffit). The tone of your voice, happy or upset, will be very important here!
3. Bon courage
   This means all the best, keep up the good work.
4. Avoir bonne mine
   We use this idiom when someone looks great and healthy. ‘Mine’ in this context refers to the face.
5. Bon voyage
   This means “have a good trip.” Use it to wish someone safe and enjoyable travel.
6. Avoir un bon coup de fourchette
   Translated as to be a good eater, have a big appetite (literally to have a good fork).
7. Bonne chance 
   When you wish good luck to someone
8. Les bons comptes font les bons amis
   Don’t let money squabbles ruin a friendship.
9. En bon état
   Something is in a good shape, generally used for a car or a house
10. Bon anniversaire
    Happy birthday

Using “bon” in these phrases helps express positive sentiments about food, travel, and general well-being.

1. Ça va bien / je vais bien
   This means “it’s going well.” Use it to describe your mood or how things are going in your life.
2. Bien sûr !
   Translated as “of course,” use this phrase to affirm something positively. It’s useful in conversations for agreement. We can sometimes use ‘bien entendu‘, a bit more formal.
3. À bien y réfléchir
   This means “upon reflection” or “if you think about it.” Use it when you want to encourage someone to consider something more deeply.
4. C’est bien fait
   This means “well done.” You can say this when someone accomplishes a task successfully. ‘C’est bien fait pour toi‘ can also mean you got what you deserved.
5. Etre bien dans sa peau
   When you are comfortable with yourself (to feel good in your own skin)
6. On verra bien
   Translated as we will see, using the Future Simple
7. Ça commence à bien faire
   This idiom shows irritation and can be translated as enough is enough

Using “bien” in these phrases emphasizes quality, agreement, and thoughtful reflection in conversations.

French words bon and bien can be confusing due to their different uses.

Bon often describes nouns. For example, you say “une bonne série” (a good serie). It can also relate to taste, like in un bon thé (a good tea).

Bien describes verbs and actions. You use it in sentences like “Il parle bien” (He speaks well). It can also mean “well” in a general way, for example, “Tout va bien” (Everything is going well).

Some phrases don’t follow these rules.

1. With sentir and faire, bon acts as an adverb as follows :

• Ça sent bon: Used to say something smells good.
• Il fait bon: Means the weather is nice, the temperatures are mild

2. With être, bien can be an adjective. It expresses a moral or intellectual judgement, often about something more abstract.

• Ce nouveau film ‘Le comte de Monte-Cristo’ est vraiment bien: This new movie ‘Le comte de Monte-Cristo’ is really good.

Recognizing these nuances helps in using bon and bien correctly. Pay attention to context. This will improve your understanding and communication in French. And for a great explanation about ‘bon’ and ‘bien’, feel free to check this Youtube video.

Finally, here are 8 Tips for Non-Native Speakers. To use bon and bien correctly, keep these tips in mind:

1. Identify the Meaning:
   • Bon means “good.” Use it for nouns but don’t forget about the exceptions
   • Bien means “well.” Used usually for verbs.
2. Practice Simple Sentences:
   • Example: “C’est un bon croissant.” (It’s a good croissant.)
   • Example: “Il dessine bien.” (He draws well.)
3. Watch Out for Adverbs:
   • Remember that bien acts generally as an adverb (don’t forget a few exceptions though!)
   • Bon normally describes nouns, while bien describes how something is done.
4. Use Flashcards:
   • Create flashcards with examples for each word.
   • Test yourself to reinforce the differences.
5. Listen and Repeat:
   • Listen to native speakers.
   • Pay attention to how they use bon and bien.
6. Make Mistakes:
   • Don’t worry about getting it wrong at first.
   • Mistakes help you learn and improve your skills.
7. Seek Feedback:
   • Practice with friends or tutors who speak French.
   • Ask for corrections and explanations.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can improve your use of bon and bien in your French communication.

In conclusion, even if you’re starting from scratch, remember that absorbing and practicing the basics like good in French is just as important as any other step.

With time, you’ll perfect your command of the words bien and bon in various contexts.

Would you like to accelerate your progress with a tailored French course? Feel free to get in touch.