bonne fille
The English phrase "good girl" is translated into French as bonne fille.
The phrase bonne fille is used to describe a girl or woman who is well-behaved or virtuous. While it can be used to describe a well-behaved child, when applied to an adult woman, it often implies she is virtuous, wholesome or reliable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bonne (good, feminine) and the noun fille (girl/daughter).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the adjective and the noun take the plural suffix to form bonnes filles.
Did you know?
- If you want to praise a dog for being a 'good girl', French speakers usually say bonne chienne or sage rather than bonne fille.
- While bonne fille describes virtue, using the word fille alone in certain contexts can be a euphemism for a prostitute.
- French uses the word sage to describe a 'good' or well-behaved child, which literally translates to 'wise'.
Examples in context
- C'est une bonne fille.She's a good girl.This sentence shows how to identify someone as a bonne fille.Tatoeba #1992420 by sacredceltic, translation #1991845 by Spamster
- C'est vraiment une bonne fille.She is really a good girl.This sentence uses an intensifier to emphasize that she is a bonne fille.Tatoeba #2137933 by sacredceltic, translation #2137322 by AlanF_US
- Je serai une bonne fille.I'll be a good girl.This sentence shows the use of the phrase in the first person future tense.Tatoeba #1110910 by Scott, translation #1110488 by Scott
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is praising Manon for helping her younger sister.
- LucasTu aides beaucoup ta sœur, Manon.You are helping your sister a lot, Manon.
- ManonJe veux juste être utile.I just want to be helpful.
- LucasTu es vraiment une bonne fille.You are really a good girl.
- ManonMerci, Lucas, c'est gentil.Thank you, Lucas, that's kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
