bien reçu
In French, 'roger' (in the sense of acknowledging a message) is translated as bien reçu. Wiktionary also lists compris.
Meaning: received (intj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| bien reçu | |
| compris | /kɔ̃.pʁi/ |
The phrase is used to acknowledge that a message or instruction has been received. While it is used to signal receipt, another form, compris, focuses more on the understanding of the content.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bien reçu literally translates to 'well received'.
Which one should you use?
Bien reçu is used to acknowledge that a message or instruction has been received, whereas compris is used to signal that the meaning of a message is understood. Compris is the past participle of comprendre (to understand).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bien reçu is the standard way to say 'roger' or 'received' in professional, radio or formal contexts. Compris is often used in more casual or direct verbal exchanges to mean 'understood'.
Related words
Did you know?
- In very casual French, a person might respond to an instruction with ça marche, which literally means 'that walks' but functions as 'roger' or 'will do'.
- The word compris comes from the Latin 'comprehēnsus', which literally means 'seized' or 'grasped' by the mind.
- Using compris as a question compris ? can sound like a stern demand for obedience, similar to saying 'do I make myself clear?' in English.
Examples in context
- Message bien reçu.Message received.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are communicating via walkie-talkie during a work event.
- EmmaLucas, est-ce que tu entends ma voix ?Lucas, do you hear my voice?
- LucasOui, message bien reçu, Emma.Yes, message received, Emma.
- EmmaParfait, continue ton travail.Perfect, continue your work.
- LucasC'est compris, j'y vais.Understood, I'm on it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roger” translations and entries compris, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, compris, CC BY-SA 4.0.
