passe un bon moment
To say "have a lovely time" in French, you say passe un bon moment.
This phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment during an activity or an event. While it is a correct way to express this sentiment, in very casual conversation, speakers may more idiomatically use profite bien.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, passe un bon moment means "spend a good moment". It is composed of the verb passer (to spend or pass), the adjective bon (good) and the noun moment (moment).
Which one should you use?
passe un bon moment is a correct translation for having a good time, but it can sometimes sound slightly more descriptive than the more common, casual idiom profite bien.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people or to be polite to a single person you do not know well, use the plural or formal form passez un bon moment. You may also use the phrase Que votre journée soit des plus agréables! to say "May your day be most enjoyable!"
Did you know?
- The word moment comes from the Latin mōmentum, which originally referred to a small movement or a tipping point of a scale.
- The casual alternative profite bien is derived from the verb profiter, which does not mean 'to benefit' in a financial sense but 'to make the most of' an experience.
- While passe un bon moment is used for a specific event, French speakers often use amuse-toi bien if the 'lovely time' involves play, games or partying.
Examples in context
- Profitez bien de ce jour spécialEnjoy this special day
- Passe un bon moment au concert !Have a lovely time at the concert!
- Passe un bon moment avec tes amis.Have a lovely time with your friends.
- Passe un bon moment pendant tes vacances.Have a lovely time during your vacation.
Example conversation
Léa is seeing Nathan off as he goes to a festival.
- LéaTu pars au festival maintenant ?Are you leaving for the festival now?
- NathanOui, je suis très impatient.Yes, I am very excited.
- LéaD'accord, passe un bon moment, Nathan !Okay, have a lovely time, Nathan!
- NathanMerci Léa, c'est gentil.Thanks Léa, that's kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, moment, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
