What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb bien (well) and the past participle reçu (received).
Which one should you use?
While Bien reçu is a clipped way to acknowledge receipt, you can use Très bien accueilli to mean 'very well received' or Super bien accueilli to mean 'super well received'. Additionally, the term Bienvenu(e) can sometimes convey the sense of something being well received, often meaning 'welcome'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bien reçu is often used in informal professional contexts, such as emails or messaging, as a quick way to say 'Message well received' or 'Acknowledged'. For more formal situations, use the expression Très bien accueilli.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a standalone acknowledgment, Bien reçu functions as an elliptical phrase that omits the subject and auxiliary verb, as in '[C'est] bien reçu'.
Did you know?
- While Bien reçu sounds professional in an email, saying it aloud in a casual conversation can make you sound like you are mimicking a pilot or a military radio operator.
- The verb accueillir used in the phrase Très bien accueilli does not just mean 'to receive' but literally means 'to welcome' or 'to host'.
- The word bien used in this phrase shares the same Latin ancestor, bene, as the English words 'beneficial' and 'benevolent'.
Examples in context
- Le nouveau projet a été très bien accueilli par les membres du comité.The new project has been very well received by the committee members.
- Le discours du président a été fortement apprécié lors de la cérémonie.The president's speech was well received during the ceremony.
- La surprise d'anniversaire a été super bien accueillie par mon frère.The birthday surprise was super well received by my brother.
- Le film que nous avons regardé hier soir a été très bien reçu par le public.The movie we watched last night was very well received by the audience.
- La nouvelle émission de télé a été hyper bien accueillie par les téléspectateurs.The new TV show was extremely well received by the viewers.
- Bien reçu, merci pour l'information.Well received, thank you for the information.
- Le message a été bien reçu.The message was well received.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are confirming the receipt of an email.
- HugoEmma, as-tu reçu mon e-mail ?Emma, did you receive my email?
- EmmaOui, c'est bien reçu, Hugo.Yes, it is well received, Hugo.
- HugoParfait, merci beaucoup.Perfect, thank you very much.
- EmmaDe rien, à plus tard !You're welcome, see you later!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
