pues bien
/ˌpwes ˈbjen/
In Spanish, the phrase "well then" is translated as pues bien.
The phrase is used to introduce a new statement or action after a point has been settled.
Which one should you use?
While pues bien is used to introduce a new point or conclusion, the single word pues is often used as a filler or a simple 'well' in casual speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pues bien is more formal and literary than its common conversational counterparts. In informal settings, you can use pues entonces or bueno, entonces when speaking to friends, colleagues or family members.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use bueno, pues informally to say "well then".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpwes ˈbjen/
Did you know?
- The word pues shares a common ancestor with the English prefix 'post-'. Both come from the Latin word for 'after'.
- In various dialects, a single word pues can be tacked onto the very end of a sentence to ask for agreement, functioning much like the English tag 'right?' or 'you know?'
- While pues bien signals a transition, using the single word pues with a specific tone can communicate irritation or impatience without any other words.
Examples in context
- Pues bien, continuemos con la lección.Well then, let us continue with the lesson.
- Pues bien, empecemos la clase.Well then, let's start the class.
- Pues bien, ya es hora de irnos.Well then, it is time to go.
- Pues bien, yo me encargo de esto.Well then, I will take care of this.
Example conversation
Two friends are finishing a discussion about where to eat.
- SofíaYa decidimos el restaurante.We have already decided on the restaurant.
- DanielPues bien, vamos caminando.Well then, let's walk there.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿tienes las llaves?Daniel, do you have the keys?
- DanielSí, las tengo aquí.Yes, I have them here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pues bien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, pues, CC BY-SA 4.0.
