What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb aller (to go) and the adverb mieux (better).
Which one should you use?
While aller mieux focuses on the general state of a person's health or their recovery, se sentir mieux is used to refer specifically to the subjective physical or emotional sensation of feeling better.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present tense, you can use the form va mieux to describe a current state of improving health, such as in the sentence Il va mieux (He is getting better).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using aller bien to mean the process of getting better in health. aller bien typically means 'to be well', which describes a stable state rather than the process of recovery.
When do people say it?
To wish someone a speedy recovery, you can say Bon rétablissement ! (Get well soon!) or Prompt rétablissement ! (Swift recovery!).
Did you know?
- The word mieux is a direct descendant of the Latin word melius. This makes it a cognate of the English word 'meliorate' or 'ameliorate', which means to make something better.
- The phrase Bon rétablissement ! is used for recovery, but the root verb rétablir also means 'to re-establish' or 'to restore' a diplomatic relationship or a broken system.
- While aller mieux refers to health, the word aller is also used to describe how a piece of clothing fits. A dress that 'goes' well with someone is a sign of a good fit.
Examples in context
- Tom va aller mieux.Tom is going to get better.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use aller mieux in a future context.Tatoeba #7485995 by theachaean, translation #3419935 by CK
- Espérons que la situation va s'améliorerLet's hope that the situation will get better
- Son état de santé progresse chaque jourHis health is getting better every day
- Nous espérons une amélioration de la situationWe hope for an improvement in the situation
- Il se rétablit peu à peuHe is gradually recovering
- Elle se remet doucement de sa grippeShe is slowly getting better from her flu
- Je te souhaite un bon rétablissementI wish you a good recovery
- Nous espérons un rétablissement completWe hope for a full recovery
- Nous sommes dans une période difficile, mais ça va aller mieuxWe are going through a tough time, but things will get better
- J'espère que tu vas aller mieux bientôt.I hope you will get better soon.
- Il va enfin aller mieux avec ce médicament.He is finally going to get better with this medicine.
Example conversation
Gabriel is calling Manon to check on her after her flu.
- GabrielSalut Manon, comment te sens-tu aujourd'hui ?Hi Manon, how are you feeling today?
- ManonJe ne me sens pas très bien, Gabriel.I don't feel very well, Gabriel.
- GabrielRepose-toi bien, tu vas aller mieux demain.Rest well, you will get better tomorrow.
- ManonMerci beaucoup, c'est très gentil.Thank you very much, that is very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aller, mieux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
