c'est bon
In French, the phrase for 'tastes good' is c'est bon.
The phrase c'est bon is used to express that food or drink has a pleasant flavor. While c'est bon can mean 'it is good' in a general sense, when referring to food or drink, it specifically means 'it tastes good'.
Which one should you use?
While c'est bon is the most common way to say something tastes good, you can use c'est délicieux to mean 'it is delicious' as a stronger, more emphatic alternative. For added intensity, the informal phrase C'est super bon! means 'super tasty or really good' and C'est trop bon! means 'too good or extremely delicious'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying ça goûte bon. English speakers often use this by translating 'it tastes good' literally, but native speakers use c'est bon to express that food has a pleasant flavor.
Did you know?
- The word bon can be used to describe a person's character, but using it as un bon homme changes the meaning to 'a simpleton' or 'a naive man'.
- Be careful with the phrase c'est bon in certain social contexts, as it can occasionally be used as an informal way to say 'that's enough' or 'stop it'. Depending on your tone and the situation, you might be telling someone to cease an action rather than complimenting their cooking.
- The word bon has a distant relative in the English word 'bonus'. Both stem from the same Latin root, bonus, which originally meant 'good' or 'beneficial'.
Examples in context
- C'est bon.This tastes good.This example shows how to use c'est bon.Tatoeba #7411513 by lbdx, translation #1066826 by CK
- C'est vraiment délicieux!It's truly delicious!
- Ce plat est succulent!This dish is succulent!
- Ce dessert est divin!This dessert is heavenly!
- Madame, votre cuisine est délicieuse. Ce repas est vraiment exquis!Madame, your cooking is delicious. This meal is truly exquisite!
- Wow! Maman, ta tarte est super bonne! J'adore le mélange des saveurs.Wow! Mom, your pie is super tasty! I love the combination of flavors.
- C'est trop bon! Tu es vraiment un(e) chef talentueux/talentueuse!It's too good! You are truly a talented chef!
- C'est bon, ce gâteau.This cake tastes good.
- Le vin, c'est bon.The wine tastes good.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are eating lunch together.
- HugoTu aimes la soupe ?Do you like the soup?
- LéaOui, c'est bon !Yes, it tastes good!
- HugoJe suis content que tu l'apprécies.I am glad you enjoy it.
- LéaMerci, Hugo.Thanks, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, c'est, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
