quelque chose de bon
The English phrase "something is good" is translated into French as quelque chose de bon.
This phrase is used to describe an object or thing that has a positive quality or taste.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, the phrase c'est bon en tabarnak is used to mean "it's damn good".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using an adjective to describe quelque chose, you must insert the preposition de between the noun and the adjective. In the phrase quelque chose de bon, the adjective bon remains in the masculine singular form when following quelque chose de, regardless of the gender of the implied object.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly omit the de when translating "something good" as quelque chose bon, which is grammatically incorrect in French.
Did you know?
- If you are eating something that is 'really good', a common French way to exaggerate is to say c'est une tuerie, which literally translates to 'it is a killing'.
- While quelque chose de bon refers to the quality of a thing, using the word bon alone to describe a person can sometimes sound like you are calling them 'tasty' or 'delicious' in a flirtatious way.
- In France, if you want to say something tastes 'really good', you might use c'est trop bon, where trop literally means 'too much'.
Examples in context
- La présentation du projet était excellente.The project's presentation was excellent.
- Votre réponse était satisfaisante.Your answer was satisfying.
- Le service était impeccable.The service was impeccable.
- Votre engagement est admirable.Your commitment is admirable.
- Ton concert était super !Your concert was super!
- La nouvelle chanson de ton artiste préféré est géniale !Your favorite artist's new song is great!
- La soirée chez Julie était vraiment top !The party at Julie's was really great!
- Votre travail est nickel !Your work is perfect!
- Il y a quelque chose de bon à manger ici.There is something good to eat here.
- J'ai trouvé quelque chose de bon au marché.I found something good at the market.
- Elle a préparé quelque chose de bon pour nous.She prepared something good for us.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are deciding what to buy at a bakery.
- LéaJe cherche quelque chose de bon pour le goûter.I am looking for something good for the snack.
- LucasRegarde ces tartes aux pommes, Léa.Look at these apple tarts, Léa.
- LéaOui, elles ont l'air délicieuses !Yes, they look delicious!
- LucasOn en prend une pour partager ?Shall we take one to share?
