quelque chose de bien
The English phrase 'something is nice' is translated into French as quelque chose de bien.
The phrase is used to indicate that an unspecified thing is of good quality or is satisfactory. While the word bien typically means 'well' or 'good', using it within this specific construction allows you to describe the quality of an unspecified object or concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use an adjective with the phrase quelque chose, you must insert the preposition de before the adjective.
Did you know?
- While bien in this phrase means 'good', it is the adverbial form of 'good'. In many other contexts, French speakers use bon for quality, but quelque chose de bon specifically implies something that tastes good.
- The word chose comes from the Latin word causa, which originally meant 'cause' or 'legal case'. Over time, the meaning drifted from a legal matter to any general 'thing'.
- In very informal spoken French, people often drop the quelque and simply say un truc bien to mean 'something nice'.
Examples in context
- J'ai passé une soirée agréable.I had a nice evening.
- C'est plaisant de se promener dans ce parc.It's nice to walk in this park.
- Ces paysages sont vraiment plaisants à voir.These landscapes are really nice to look at.
- Cette fête était vraiment chouette.This party was really nice.
- Tes dessins sont géniaux!Your drawings are amazing!
- La soirée d'hier était super!Last night's party was awesome!
- Ton nouvel appartement est vraiment cool.Your new apartment is really cool.
- Il y a quelque chose de bien dans ce film.There is something nice in this movie.
- Il faut trouver quelque chose de bien pour l'anniversaire.We need to find something nice for the birthday.
- Je cherche quelque chose de bien à lire.I am looking for something nice to read.
- Est-ce que tu as quelque chose de bien à proposer ?Do you have something nice to suggest?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are looking for a gift for a friend.
- GabrielOn cherche quoi pour elle ?What are we looking for for her?
- EmmaJe veux lui offrir quelque chose de bien.I want to give her something nice.
- GabrielRegarde ce livre, c'est parfait.Look at this book, it is perfect.
- EmmaOui, c'est exactement ça.Yes, that is exactly it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, chose, de, quelque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
