pas très bien
The English phrase "not very well" is translated into French as pas très bien.
Used to say that someone is not in good health or is not doing well.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pas (not), très (very) and bien (well).
Which one should you use?
While pas très bien can describe a lack of skill or quality, it is distinct from the expression pas très bien portant, which is used specifically to refer to physical health.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, people may use Pas fort to mean "not very well".
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial phrase, pas très bien does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject it describes.
Did you know?
- The word pas used in this phrase originally meant 'a step', having evolved from a way of saying 'not a single step' to mean 'not at all'.
Examples in context
- Vous n'êtes pas très bien informés.You're not very well informed.This sentence uses pas très bien to describe the state of being informed.Tatoeba #5736965 by Petrus, translation #5731734 by CM
- Je sais jouer au tennis mais pas très bien.I can play tennis, but not very well.This sentence uses pas très bien to describe the quality of a skill.Tatoeba #6911776 by GB3, translation #6910184 by CK
- « Comment as-tu dormi cette nuit ? » « Pas très bien »."How did you sleep last night?" "Not very well."This sentence uses pas très bien as a response regarding the quality of sleep.Tatoeba #12632168 by lbdx, translation #10022143 by Hybrid
- Je m'exprime de manière médiocre en français.I express myself in French not very well.
- J'suis pas fort en français.I'm not strong in French, meaning I don't speak it very well.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa meet at the office in the morning.
- LucasSalut Léa, comment ça va aujourd'hui ?Hi Léa, how are you doing today?
- LéaJe ne me sens pas très bien.I don't feel very well.
- LucasTu as besoin d'aller chez le médecin ?Do you need to go to the doctor?
- LéaOui, je pense que c'est mieux.Yes, I think that is better.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, pas, très, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
