Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| bien hecho | /ˌbjen ˈet͡ʃo/ |
| muy bien | /ˌmui ˈbjen/ |
| bravo | /ˈbɾabo/ |
Spanish uses different expressions to say "well done" depending on the context. bien hecho can be used as an exclamation of praise or as an adjective meaning "performed well". If you are specifically complimenting food, you can use more formal expressions like Los felicito por la excelente comida or informal ones like Te luciste con esta comida. In the context of artistic performances such as music or theater, the exclamation bravo is used to show praise.
Which one should you use?
While bien hecho can serve as an exclamation of praise, muy bien is often a more natural choice for a quick, verbal reaction to someone's success. Additionally, bien hecho can also mean "well cooked" when referring to food, whereas bien cocido is specifically used for that purpose.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the expression ¡Está bárbaro/a! is a common regional way to say "It's great!"
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using bien hecho as an adjective to describe a noun, it must agree in gender and number with that noun, such as una tarea bien hecha for "a well done task".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbjen ˈetʃo/
Did you know?
- The word bravo likely evolved from a blend of the Latin words prāvus and barbarus, the latter of which referred to foreigners who spoke languages that sounded like 'bar bar bar' to the Romans.
- While English uses 'bravo' specifically for applause, the Spanish word bravo can also mean 'fierce' or 'wild' when describing an animal or a person's temper.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a sarcastic ¡bien hecho! is used as a reprimand when someone makes a mistake, functioning similarly to the English 'well done' used ironically.
Examples in context
- Bien hecho es mejor que bien dicho.Well done is better than well said.This sentence illustrates a comparison using bien hecho.Tatoeba #1743507 by marcelostockle, translation #325874 by shekitten
- Te felicito por un trabajo bien hecho.I congratulate you on a job well done.This sentence shows how to use bien hecho to congratulate someone on a job.Tatoeba #2324909 by marcelostockle, translation #2308014 by CK
- La recompensa es el trabajo bien hecho.The reward is a job well done.This sentence uses bien hecho to describe the reward for work.Tatoeba #5965108 by arh, translation #8174346 by magnificentgoddess
- ¡Los felicito por la excelente comida! ¡Qué delicia de comida han preparado!Congratulations on the excellent meal! What a delicious meal you have prepared!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro just finished a difficult painting in class.
- Elena¡Bien hecho, Alejandro!Well done, Alejandro!
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- ElenaTu cuadro es hermoso.Your painting is beautiful.
- AlejandroMe alegra que te guste.I am glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “well done” translations and entries bien hecho, muy bien, bravo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, bravo, hecho, muy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
