bien sûr
/bjɛ̃ syʁ/
The French phrase bien sûr means "of course."
bien sûr is used to give a strong affirmative answer or to agree with someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb bien (well/very) and the adjective sûr (sure/certain), literally translating to "well sure."
Which one should you use?
While bien sûr is a strong affirmative, it can sometimes sound more emphatic or even slightly dismissive depending on the tone used. In contrast, bien entendu is a more formal way to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you follow the phrase with a clause consisting of a subject and a verb, use the form bien sûr que to introduce the statement.
How do you pronounce it?
/bjɛ̃ syʁ/
Did you know?
- The word sûr shares a root with the English word 'secure'. Both come from the Latin sēcūrus, combining 'se' (without) and 'cura' (care or anxiety).
- The adjective sûr is distinguished from the word sur (meaning 'on') only by its circumflex accent, a small hat placed over the 'u'.
- The word sûr can also mean 'safe' in French. For example, un endroit sûr means 'a safe place', using the same root of being without danger or care.
Examples in context
- Bien sûr, je t'aiderai.Of course, I will help you.
- Est-ce que tu viens avec nous ? – Bien sûr !Are you coming with us? – Of course!
- Tu peux prendre mon stylo, bien sûr.You can take my pen, of course.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are planning a movie night.
- ManonTu veux venir au cinéma avec moi ?Do you want to come to the cinema with me?
- LucasBien sûr, je suis libre ce soir.Of course, I am free tonight.
- ManonOn peut prendre des pop-corns ?Can we get some popcorn?
- LucasOui, c'est une excellente idée.Yes, that is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bien sûr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, sûr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
