bon sens
/bɔ̃ sɑ̃s/masculine
The English phrase common sense is translated into French as bon sens. Wiktionary also lists sens commun.
Meaning: ordinary understanding (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bon sens | /bɔ̃ sɑ̃s/ | masculine |
| sens commun | /sɑ̃s kɔ.mœ̃/ | masculine |
Both forms refer to the concept of common sense, but they apply to different contexts of understanding.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bon sens literally translates to good sense.
Which one should you use?
Bon sens is the most common way to express the practical ability to make sound judgments. In contrast, sens commun is often used in more academic or sociological contexts to refer to the shared beliefs or perceptions of a community.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that someone lacks common sense, use the verb manquer followed by the preposition de, as in manquer de bon sens.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ̃ sɑ̃s/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use sens commun to describe everyday practical wisdom. For describing a person's judgment, bon sens is more natural.
Did you know?
- The French word sens is a linguistic hybrid that inherited meanings from both Latin 'sentiō' and the Frankish word sinn, which referred to 'direction'.
- The French philosopher René Descartes famously wrote that bon sens is the most evenly distributed thing in the world.
- In French, the word sens is used for both 'common sense' and 'direction', such as the way a one-way street flows.
Examples in context
- Tom n'a pas de bon sens.Tom has no common sense.This sentence uses bon sens to show someone possesses no common sense.Tatoeba #5380271 by Aiji, translation #1025342 by CK
- Le bon sens l'a emporté.Common sense has prevailed.This sentence uses bon sens to show that common sense has triumphed.Tatoeba #10705356 by lbdx, translation #7132004 by CM
- Elle manque de sens commun.She is lacking in common sense.This sentence uses sens commun to describe a lack of common sense.Tatoeba #1075888 by sacredceltic, translation #308771 by CK
- Il est important d'utiliser le bon sens lors de la prise de décisions.It is important to use common sense when making decisions.
- Pour résoudre ce problème, il faut faire preuve de bon sens pratique.To solve this problem, one must use common sense.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a risky decision at work.
- EmmaTu devrais faire preuve de plus de bon sens.You should show more common sense.
- LucasJe pense que mon idée est bonne, Emma.I think my idea is good, Emma.
- EmmaC'est trop risqué pour lui et pour toi.It is too risky for him and for you.
- LucasD'accord, je vais réfléchir à nouveau.Okay, I will think about it again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “common sense” translations and entries bon sens, sens commun, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, commun, sens, sens commun, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
