bueno pues
/bweno pwes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "alright then" can be translated into Spanish as bueno pues.
bueno pues is commonly used as a conversational filler to signal that a topic is finished or to transition to a new subject. It can also be used to accept a situation before moving on.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bueno (good/well) and pues (then/since/well).
Which one should you use?
You may also use Vale, pues for a relaxed tone or Bueno, entonces for an informal context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bueno pues is an informal phrase and is frequently used in spoken, everyday Spanish. The form Vale, pues is considered a relaxed way to express this idea, while Bueno, entonces is an informal alternative.
Did you know?
- In some regions, particularly in Mexico, bueno is the standard way to answer the telephone, functioning like 'hello' rather than 'good'.
- The word pues is a linguistic relative of the English word 'post', as both descend from the same Latin root meaning 'after' or 'later'.
- In certain Latin American dialects, using pues at the end of many different sentences acts as a rhythmic punctuation mark rather than meaning 'then'.
Examples in context
- Está bien entonces. Lo entregaré a tiempo.Alright then. I will deliver it on time.
- De acuerdo entonces. Asistiré puntualmente.Alright then. I will attend punctually.
- Vale, pues. A la hora de siempre.Alright then. At the usual time.
- Bueno, entonces. Nos vemos a las 9 en punto.Alright then. See you at 9 sharp.
- Bueno pues, me voy a dormir.Alright then, I'm going to sleep.
- Bueno pues, terminemos este trabajo.Alright then, let's finish this work.
Example conversation
Javier and María are finishing a discussion about their plans for the afternoon.
- JavierYa no hay más planes para hoy.There are no more plans for today.
- MaríaBueno pues, nos vemos mañana.Alright then, see you tomorrow.
- JavierSí, descansa mucho, María.Yes, rest a lot, María.
- MaríaGracias, Javier. Adiós.Thanks, Javier. Goodbye.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bueno, pues, CC BY-SA 4.0.
