What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of très (very), bien (well) and fait (done/made).
Which one should you use?
While très bien fait describes a specific object or task, the shorter phrase très bien is used more generally to mean "very well" or "very good" in response to an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the past participle changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. If the object is a feminine noun, use très bien faite. If the objects are masculine and plural, use très bien faits. If the objects are feminine and plural, use très bien faites.
When do people say it?
To praise someone or acknowledge an accomplishment, you can also use Bravo or Félicitations (congratulations). In casual settings, you might hear Du bon boulot (good job) or Génial (awesome) to express enthusiasm.
Did you know?
- The phrase bien fait can also be used as an exclamation meaning 'serves you right' when someone experiences a deserved misfortune.
- While très bien fait describes the quality of a task, French speakers use bien cuit specifically to say a steak is 'well done' at a restaurant.
- The word très actually traces back to a root meaning 'through' or 'across', which is the same way English uses the prefix 'trans-' in words like 'transport'.
Examples in context
- Félicitations pour le travail accompli !Congratulations on the job well done!
- Bravo pour ce projet réussi !Bravo for this successful project!
- Tu as géré la présentation. Super bien !You nailed the presentation. Super well!
- Du bon boulot sur ce projet !Good job on this project!
- Ton exposé était génial !Your presentation was awesome!
- C'est un travail très bien fait.It is a very well done piece of work.
- Ce gâteau est très bien fait.This cake is very well made.
- Ton dessin est très bien fait.Your drawing is very well done.
Example conversation
Emma is looking at a project Lucas completed.
- EmmaRegarde ton projet, c'est très bien fait !Look at your project, it is very well done!
- LucasMerci beaucoup, Emma.Thank you very much, Emma.
- EmmaTu as travaillé dur, Lucas.You worked hard, Lucas.
- LucasJe suis content que ça te plaise.I am glad that you like it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, fait, très, CC BY-SA 4.0.
