está bien
/esta bjen/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "it is good" can be translated as está bien.
The phrase está bien is frequently used as a standalone response to indicate agreement or acceptance of a suggestion, similar to saying "Okay" or "That's fine" in English. It can also be used to indicate that something is acceptable or correct.
Which one should you use?
While está bien can mean "it is good" in the sense of being acceptable, it does not mean "it is delicious" (which would be está bueno). Use es bueno to describe the inherent quality or character of something, whereas está bien is used to describe a state of being okay, acceptable or correct. If you wish to express enthusiasm meaning "it is great", you can use Es genial. If you want to describe something as being of excellent quality, meaning "it is luxurious" or "it is high-end", use Es de lujo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb estar (to be in a state) rather than ser (to be an inherent characteristic).
Did you know?
- The word bien is a distant relative of the English word 'bonus'. Both originate from the Proto-Italic root *dwenos, which meant 'good'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, replying with a simple está bien can sometimes sound more dismissive or curt than the English 'okay'. In some contexts, it can signal a reluctant agreement rather than an enthusiastic one.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, está bien is often accompanied by a slight nod or a shrug to confirm a deal or a social agreement without needing further words.
Examples in context
- El resultado del proyecto es bueno.The result of the project is good.
- Es bueno que estés aquí.It is good that you are here.
- La película que vimos ayer está bien.The movie we watched yesterday is good.
- ¡El concierto de anoche fue genial!Last night's concert was great!
- La comida en este lugar es genial, ¡prueba sus postres!The food in this place is great, try their desserts!
- Todo está bien en la casa.Everything is good in the house.
- El plan está bien para hoy.The plan is good for today.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a new apartment.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta el nuevo apartamento?Do you like the new apartment?
- MaríaSí, todo está bien aquí.Yes, everything is good here.
- AlejandroMe alegra que estés contenta.I am glad that you are happy.
- MaríaGracias, Alejandro.Thank you, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
