ça fait du bien
In French, "it feels good" is expressed as ça fait du bien.
The phrase ça fait du bien is used when something provides a pleasant physical or emotional sensation of relief or satisfaction.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "that makes some good", where bien functions as a noun meaning "good" or "well-being".
Which one should you use?
While ça fait du bien expresses relief or satisfaction, it is distinct from c'est agréable, which is used more for describing a pleasant sensation or atmosphere.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that something feels good to a particular person, you insert an indirect object pronoun like me, te, lui, nous or vous between ça and fait (for example, ça me fait du bien). When following the phrase with an action, use the preposition de followed by an infinitive verb, such as in ça fait du bien de [verb].
Did you know?
- The use of ça as a general subject in this phrase is a calque, or a direct translation of a concept, from the German word Es.
- In French, if you are experiencing a sudden rush of pleasure, you might say ça fait du bien, but if you are describing a general state of comfort, you would use être bien.
Examples in context
- Ça fait du bien.It feels good.Tatoeba #1907757 by sacredceltic, translation #1907570 by Spamster
- Ça fait du bien de gagner.It feels good to win.This sentence shows how to use the phrase when followed by an action.Tatoeba #12337689 by lbdx, translation #8596763 by CK
- Ça fait du bien d'être à nouveau de retour.It feels good to be back.Tatoeba #3449163 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #1897699 by CK
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are relaxing in a park on a warm day.
- LucasÇa fait du bien de s'asseoir un moment.It feels good to sit down for a moment.
- ChloéOui, le soleil est très agréable.Yes, the sun is very pleasant.
- LucasÇa fait du bien d'être ici avec toi.It feels good to be here with you.
- ChloéMoi aussi, je me sens très calme.Me too, I feel very calm.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, du, fait, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
