amuse-toi bien
In French, 'have a nice time' is expressed as amuse-toi bien.
This phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment during a planned activity or event. While amuse-toi bien specifically translates to 'Have fun', it is a common way to tell someone to have a nice time. Other variations include profite bien, which means 'enjoy yourself' or 'make the most of it' and Passez un bon moment, which is a polite way to wish someone a good time. You might also say Profitez bien de votre journée (soirée / séjour) to mean 'Enjoy your day (evening / stay)'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase amuse-toi bien literally translates to 'amuse yourself well'.
Which one should you use?
amuse-toi bien is the singular, informal form used with friends, family or children. In contrast, if you are speaking to more than one person or to someone you address with 'vous', you should use amusez-vous bien.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group or using the formal 'vous', the verb changes to amusez-vous bien.
Did you know?
- If you want to wish someone a good time at a party, you might hear the much more casual slang éclate-toi bien, which implies having a blast or exploding with joy.
- In France, wishing someone a nice time with amuse-toi bien is often accompanied by a 'bise', a light kiss on each cheek, depending on the relationship between the speakers.
- The phrase amuse-toi bien is grammatically reflexive, meaning the subject must literally 'amuse themselves', whereas in English, the 'fun' is something one 'has'.
Examples in context
- Amuse-toi bien !Have a nice time.Tatoeba #9390 by Archibald, translation #21268 by CK
- Amuse-toi bien en vacances!Have a great time on your vacation!
- Amuse-toi bien à la fête !Have a nice time at the party!
- Amuse-toi bien avec tes amis ce soir.Have a nice time with your friends tonight.
Example conversation
Emma is leaving to go to a concert.
- GabrielTu vas au concert, n'est-ce pas ?You are going to the concert, right?
- EmmaOui, j'ai vraiment hâte d'y être !Yes, I am really looking forward to it!
- GabrielSuper, amuse-toi bien !Great, have a nice time!
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, Gabriel !Thanks a lot, Gabriel!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
