ravi de l'apprendre
The English phrase 'good to hear' can be translated into French as ravi de l'apprendre.
ravi de l'apprendre is used to express pleasure or satisfaction when you receive positive news. Another way to convey a sense of joy and satisfaction is to say Ça fait plaisir, which means 'that's pleasing'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ravi de l'apprendre literally translates to 'delighted to learn it'.
Which one should you use?
heureux de l'apprendre serves as a middle-ground option. It is more formal than content but less intense than ravi.
How does it change in a sentence?
In writing, if the speaker is female, the adjective ravi becomes ravie (as in ravie de l'apprendre), though the pronunciation remains the same.
Did you know?
- While ravi translates to 'delighted', the verb it comes from, ravir, can also mean 'to steal' or 'to snatch' something away.
- In very formal French, one might use Je suis enchanté de l'apprendre, using enchanté, which literally means 'enchanted' or 'under a spell'.
- Using ravi when you are only mildly pleased can sometimes be interpreted as irony or sarcasm by native speakers, depending on the tone of voice.
Examples in context
- Je suis ravie d'apprendre que vous avez été promu(e).I'm delighted to hear that you got promoted.
- Ça fait plaisir d'entendre que tu as réussi ton examen.It's good to hear that you passed your exam.
- Oh, je suis vraiment ravi de l'apprendre !Oh, I am really glad to hear that!
- C'est une bonne nouvelle, je suis ravi de l'apprendre.That is good news, I am happy to hear it.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are talking on the phone about a job interview.
- EmmaJ'ai enfin décroché le poste !I finally got the job!
- GabrielFélicitations, je suis ravi de l'apprendre.Congratulations, I am glad to hear it.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, Gabriel.Thank you very much, Gabriel.
- GabrielTu mérites vraiment ce succès.You really deserve this success.
