c'est génial
c'est génial is the French way to say "this is great".
This expression is used to convey that something is wonderful or exciting.
Which one should you use?
While c'est bien means "it is good" and is more neutral, c'est génial expresses a higher level of enthusiasm or excitement. Depending on the context, you might also use c'est formidable, c'est excellent or c'est remarquable.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings, you can use c'est génial, c'est super, c'est top or c'est nickel. For more formal or elegant situations, use c'est formidable, c'est excellent or c'est remarquable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, you may hear c'est l'fun to mean "this is great". In Swiss French, the expression c'est tip-top is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the negative, "it is not great", use ce n'est pas génial.
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking circles, particularly among younger generations, you might hear people say c'est top or even c'est chanmé to express that something is great. Chanmé is actually 'verlan', a type of French slang where syllables are reversed, making it the word 'méchant' (wicked) flipped around.
- If you are in a professional setting in France, using c'est génial can sometimes sound slightly too informal or even childish. For a more polished way to say something is great, the word formidable is a sophisticated alternative that carries much more weight.
- While c'est génial is standard, a French person might also use the word nickel to mean 'great' or 'perfect'. This comes from the metal nickel, implying that something is shiny, clean, and without any flaws.
Examples in context
- C'est formidable ! J'adore ce projet !This is great! I love this project!
- C'est génial d'être ici avec vous tous !It's great to be here with all of you!
- C'est top d'avoir réussi l'examen !It's awesome to have passed the exam!
- C'est chouette que tu viennes nous rendre visite !It's nice that you're coming to visit us!
- C'est génial, on part bientôt !This is great, we are leaving soon!
- Regarde ce cadeau, c'est génial !Look at this gift, it is great!
- Tu as gagné ? C'est génial !You won? That's great!
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are looking at a travel brochure.
- ManonRegarde cette destination, c'est génial !Look at this destination, it's great!
- NathanOui, j'adore cet endroit.Yes, I love this place.
- ManonOn réserve les billets ?Should we book the tickets?
- NathanAbsolument, c'est une idée magnifique.Absolutely, it's a magnificent idea.
