tellement bon
The English phrase "so delicious" is expressed in French as tellement bon.
The phrase is used to describe food or drink that tastes very good.
Which one should you use?
While tellement bon is a standard way to say "so delicious", you may encounter other variations depending on the setting. In casual spoken French, people often use trop (meaning "too" or "very") instead of tellement to mean "so" or "very" when expressing enthusiasm for food, such as in the phrase C'est trop bon !
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes based on the gender of the noun it describes. Use tellement bonne if the food being described is a feminine noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate "delicious" literally as délicieux, but in casual French, bon is much more natural and frequently used to express the same sentiment than tellement délicieux.
Did you know?
- To emphasize that food is truly delicious, French speakers may use the expression C'est une tuerie, which literally translates to 'it is a slaughter'.
- The word bon shares a root with the English word 'bonus', which comes from the Latin bonus meaning 'good'.
- When praising a chef's meal, a French speaker might say C'est un régal, which refers to the act of feasting rather than just the taste of the food.
Examples in context
- Wow, cette tarte est trop bonne, tu es vraiment doué(e) en cuisine !Wow, this pie is so delicious, you're really talented in the kitchen!
- Ce gâteau est tellement bon.This cake is so delicious.
- Le chocolat est tellement bon.The chocolate is so delicious.
- C'est tellement bon, merci !It is so delicious, thank you!
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are eating dessert at a café.
- NathanTu aimes ton dessert, Léa ?Do you like your dessert, Léa?
- LéaOui, il est tellement bon !Yes, it is so delicious!
- NathanJe suis content que tu l'apprécies.I am glad you are enjoying it.
- LéaC'est vraiment un excellent choix.It is truly an excellent choice.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, tellement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
