What does it mean word for word?
Literally, trop bien translates to 'too well'. However, in this colloquial context, trop functions as an intensifier meaning 'so' or 'very'.
Which one should you use?
While trop literally means 'too much' (implying an excess), in this specific colloquial usage, it is used positively to mean 'very' or 'so'. Other ways to express 'so great' depending on the nuance include Trop génial for excitement among friends, Tellement cool when something is exceptionally cool or Incroyablement génial to emphasize incredible greatness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
trop bien is informal and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings. For a formal way to express the notion of outstanding excellence, you can use D'une excellence remarquable.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike many adjectives in French, bien is an adverb and does not change its form to agree with a noun's gender or number.
Did you know?
- The word trop shares an ancient ancestry with the English word 'troop'. Both originate from a Proto-Germanic root describing a 'collection' or 'cluster' of things.
- Using trop bien in a professional email or a job interview could be seen as a sign of poor education rather than just being casual.
- While trop bien is common in France, learners may find that speakers in Quebec use different intensifiers or phrasing to express the same level of excitement.
Examples in context
- Le travail que vous avez accompli est extrêmement impressionnantThe work you have accomplished is so great
- Ce concert était trop génialThat concert was so great
- C'est super impressionnantThat's so impressive
- Cette pièce de théâtre était vraiment génialeThat play was truly great
- La soirée était tellement formidable, trop géniale !The evening was so great, really amazing!
- Ton talent est vraiment fantastique, super impressionnant !Your talent is truly fantastic, so impressive!
- T'es trop fort en cuisine !You're so great at cooking!
- C'est trop bien !It's so great!
- Ton nouveau job est trop bien.Your new job is so great.
- Ce film était trop bien.That movie was so great.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about a concert they just attended.
- NathanLe concert était trop bien, non ?The concert was so great, wasn't it?
- ManonOui, l'ambiance était incroyable !Yes, the atmosphere was incredible!
- NathanJe suis vraiment content d'être venu.I am really happy that I came.
- ManonMoi aussi, Nathan, c'était génial.Me too, Nathan, it was awesome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, trop, CC BY-SA 4.0.
