amuse-toi bien
To say 'have a good time' in French, use amuse-toi bien.
The phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment during an activity or event. While English uses 'have a good time', French uses the reflexive verb 's'amuser' (to amuse oneself) to express the same sentiment.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase amuse-toi bien literally translates to 'amuse yourself well'.
Which one should you use?
Use amuse-toi bien for a single person in an informal setting, whereas amusez-vous bien is used when speaking to multiple people or when using the formal 'vous' form. Other variations like Éclate-toi or Éclatez-vous can be used to specifically wish someone to have a great time and means have fun or enjoy yourself.
How does it change in a sentence?
amuse-toi bien is the singular informal imperative. If you are addressing more than one person or want to use the formal 'vous' form, you should use amusez-vous bien.
When do people say it?
When someone tells you amuse-toi bien, a common response is Merci, toi aussi ! (Thanks, you too!).
Did you know?
- The slang phrase Éclate-toi literally means 'explode yourself' but is used to tell a friend to have a blast.
- The verb amuser actually started with the meaning of 'to delay' or 'to keep someone occupied' rather than expressing joy.
- The word bien descends from the Latin bene, making it a relative of the English word 'benefit'.
Examples in context
- Fais attention à toi, et amuse-toi bien !Take care of yourself, and have a good time!This sentence shows how to combine a well wish with a parting remark using amuse-toi bien.Tatoeba #335456 by TRANG, translation #20375 by fishda
- Amuse-toi bien !Have a good time.This is a simple way to use the phrase amuse-toi bien on its own.Tatoeba #9390 by Archibald, translation #21269 by CK
- Va à la fête et amuse-toi bien !Go to the party and have a good time!
Example conversation
Gabriel is leaving for a concert and Manon is seeing him off.
- ManonTu pars au concert maintenant ?Are you leaving for the concert now?
- GabrielOui, j'arrive un peu en retard.Yes, I am arriving a little late.
- ManonD'accord, amuse-toi bien, Gabriel !Okay, have a good time, Gabriel!
- GabrielMerci Manon, à plus tard !Thanks Manon, see you later!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
