¡bien hecho!
/ˈbjen ˈet͡ʃo/word by word
The English phrase "way to go" can be translated into Spanish as ¡bien hecho!
¡bien hecho! is an expression used to convey congratulations, encouragement or approval. While it specifically praises the quality of a completed task, you may also use the versatile alternative ¡muy bien! for both immediate approval and general encouragement.
Meaning: expression of congrats, encouragement or approval (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ¡bien hecho! is composed of bien, meaning well and hecho, meaning done or made.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction in how these expressions are used: ¡bien hecho! focuses on the quality of a finished work, whereas ¡eso es! is often used as an expression of encouragement during a process, similar to "that's the way!" or "keep going!"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase ¡Bravo! is used to express praise or appreciation. In Argentina, the phrase ¡Felicitaciones! is used to mean congratulations.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbjen ˈetʃo/
Did you know?
- In a sporting context, a Spanish speaker might shout ¡Olé! to express approval of a specific, skillful move as it happens instead of saying ¡bien hecho!
- The word hecho in ¡bien hecho! shares the same Latin root as the English word 'fact'. Both come from 'factus', meaning something that has been done.
- Just as English speakers use 'way to go' ironically, ¡bien hecho! can be used sarcastically in Spanish to mock someone who has made a mistake.
Examples in context
- ¡Genial! ¡Lo hiciste increíble en el examen!Great! You did amazing on the exam!
- ¡Bien hecho! Tu presentación fue excelente.Way to go! Your presentation was excellent.
Example conversation
Daniel just finished a difficult painting.
- María¡Mira tu pintura, Daniel! ¡Bien hecho!Look at your painting, Daniel! Way to go!
- DanielMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, María.
- MaríaTuviste mucha paciencia con los colores.You had a lot of patience with the colors.
- DanielFue difícil, pero me gusta el resultado.It was difficult, but I like the result.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “way to go” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bien, hecho) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, hecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
