bien reçu
The English phrase "copy that" is translated into French as bien reçu.
bien reçu is used specifically to confirm that a transmission or instruction has been successfully heard and understood, making it a standard phrase for radio communication.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal combination of bien (well) and the past participle reçu (received).
Which one should you use?
While bien reçu is a technical confirmation of a transmission, you might use Bien compris to say "well understood" politely or Entendu to say that something was "heard" or "understood". In casual settings, you would use OK or Ça marche (meaning "that works" or "that's fine") instead of the technical bien reçu.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bien reçu is a formal and technical term suited for professional, technical or military contexts. For informal situations, you should use OK or Ça marche. Other formal options include Bien compris and Entendu.
Did you know?
- If you use bien reçu in a social setting like a dinner party to mean 'I've heard you', people might think you are roleplaying a soldier or a pilot. It sounds strictly professional rather than a conversational way to say 'I get it'.
- The word reçu is also the standard French noun for a 'receipt' given after a purchase, as both meanings involve something being received.
- While 'copy that' is a common idiom in English, a French speaker would rarely use the word 'copie' in a similar radio context. Using 'copie' would sound like you are talking about a physical photocopy rather than a transmission.
Examples in context
- Bien reçu, je m'en occupe.Copy that, I'm on it.
- Bien reçu, transmettez la suite.Copy that, send the rest.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are communicating via walkie-talkie during a hiking trip.
- ChloéLucas, arrive au point de rendez-vous.Lucas, arrive at the meeting point.
- LucasBien reçu, Chloé. J'y vais.Copy that, Chloé. I'm going.
- ChloéLe chemin est très boueux.The path is very muddy.
- LucasBien reçu, je serai prudent.Copy that, I will be careful.
