bon moment
The English phrase "happy time" can be translated into French as bon moment.
This phrase describes a period of time that is pleasant or enjoyable.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Chouette moment is used specifically to mean a "great or lovely time."
Did you know?
- In casual French, the word chouette used in chouette moment literally means 'owl'. Using it to mean 'great' or 'lovely' is an idiomatic quirk of the language.
- The word moment comes from the Latin mōmentum, which originally referred to the smallest possible movement of a scale. In French, this evolved from a physical movement into a tiny slice of time.
- When describing a happy time, French uses the verb passer, which means 'to pass'. This treats time as something moving past the person instead of something the person 'has'.
Examples in context
- On a passé un bon moment ensembleWe had a good time together
- La soirée était un chouette momentThe evening was a lovely time
- On a passé un bon moment au café hier soir!We had a good time at the cafe last night!
- Nous avons passé un bon moment ensemble.We had a happy time together.
- C'était vraiment un bon moment pour nous.It was really a happy time for us.
- J'ai passé un bon moment à la plage.I had a happy time at the beach.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking about their recent vacation.
- GabrielTu as aimé ton voyage, Chloé ?Did you enjoy your trip, Chloé?
- ChloéOui, j'ai passé un bon moment.Yes, I had a happy time.
- GabrielC'est super, je suis content pour toi.That's great, I'm happy for you.
- ChloéMerci, Gabriel !Thank you, Gabriel!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, moment, CC BY-SA 4.0.
