bon rétablissement
/bɔ̃ ʁe.ta.blis.mɑ̃/
The English phrase 'get well' is translated into French as bon rétablissement.
Bon rétablissement is used to wish someone a speedy recovery from a temporary illness or injury.
Meaning: to recover from illness or injury (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'good recovery'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'get well soon', the French phrase bon rétablissement does not inherently include the word 'soon', though the meaning is implied by the context of the wish.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although it translates to a verb phrase in English, bon rétablissement is a noun phrase used as an interjection.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- While bon rétablissement is common, French speakers often use the phrase bon courage when someone is facing a long or difficult recovery process. This shifts the wish from the medical result to the emotional strength needed to endure it.
- The word rétablissement shares a root with the English word 'establish'. In French, the prefix ré- indicates a returning to a previous state of stability or health.
- When writing a 'get well' card, French people often use the phrase Je te souhaite un prompt rétablissement. This adds the adjective prompt, which finally provides the 'soon' that is missing from the standard bon rétablissement.
Examples in context
- Bon rétablissement.Get well soon!This example shows the use of bon rétablissement as a standalone wish.Tatoeba #6805601 by Micsmithel, translation #645644 by CK
- Bon rétablissement !Get well soon.Tatoeba #7477467 by Micsmithel, translation #5416405 by CK
- Bon rétablissement, Anne !Get well soon, Anna!This example shows how to include a name when using bon rétablissement.Tatoeba #14025859 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #14025858 by Ioan_Cristian
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon is calling Gabriel to check on him after his surgery.
- ManonComment te sens-tu aujourd'hui ?How are you feeling today?
- GabrielUn peu fatigué, mais ça va mieux.A bit tired, but it is getting better.
- ManonJe te souhaite un bon rétablissement.I wish you a speedy recovery.
- GabrielMerci beaucoup, Manon.Thank you very much, Manon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bon rétablissement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
