bien que
/bjɛ̃ kə/
The English phrase 'although' is translated into French as bien que. Wiktionary also lists combien que and encore que.
Meaning: in spite of the fact that (conj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| bien que | /bjɛ̃ kə/ |
| combien que | |
| encore que | /ɑ̃.kɔʁ kə/ |
| nonobstant que | |
| quoique | /kwa.kə/ |
The term is used as a conjunction to mean 'in spite of the fact that'.
Which one should you use?
While bien que and quoique are often interchangeable, quoique is more frequently used in written or formal contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the desired register. Nonobstant que is a highly formal, legalistic way to say 'notwithstanding that'. Encore que is a formal expression used to introduce a concession or a slight qualification to a previous statement. Quoique is typically found in written or formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
English speakers often mistakenly use the indicative mood after bien que instead of the required subjunctive.
How do you pronounce it?
/bjɛ̃ kə/
Did you know?
- The word bien in bien que originally meant 'well', following the same root as the Latin 'bene'.
Examples in context
- Bien que le soleil donnât, il faisait froid.Although the sun was out, it was cold.This sentence shows the use of bien que to express a contrast between the sun being out and the cold weather.Tatoeba #1102261 by sacredceltic, translation #680172 by Source_VOA
- Bien que Marie soit malade, elle va travailler.Although Mary is sick, she will work.This sentence demonstrates bien que used to describe a person working despite being sick.Tatoeba #6564226 by felix63, translation #6579425 by Eccles17
- Bien que je fusse épuisé, je continuais à travailler.Although I was exhausted, I continued to work.This sentence illustrates bien que used to describe continuing to work despite exhaustion.Tatoeba #827708 by sacredceltic, translation #1666312 by kerbear407
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing a difficult hike.
- HugoBien que la route soit difficile, elle est belle.Although the path is difficult, it is beautiful.
- EmmaC'est vrai, Hugo, mais je suis épuisée.That's true, Hugo, but I am exhausted.
- HugoOn peut faire une pause si tu veux.We can take a break if you want.
- EmmaMerci, une petite pause me ferait du bien.Thank you, a little break would do me good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “although” translations and entries bien que, encore que, quoique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, bien que, combien, encore que, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
