bon
/bɔ̃/masculine
In French, the word for good is bon.
The adjective bon is used to describe something as pleasant or enjoyable. It can also serve as an exclamation of satisfaction. Note that while bon is an adjective used to describe a noun, such as a good meal, the related word bien is an adverb used to describe an action, such as doing something well.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use bon when you are describing a noun (e.g., a good meal), but use bien when you are describing an action (e.g., doing something well). Additionally, while bon is an adjective, the word bien can also function as a noun meaning an item of merchandise.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bon changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use bon for masculine singular, bonne for feminine singular, bons for masculine plural and bonnes for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ̃/
Did you know?
- In French, if you describe a person as being bonne, it often carries a strong sexual connotation meaning 'hot' or 'sexy' rather than just 'a good person'.
- The phrase Bon appétit is so globally recognized that English speakers use it directly, yet in some strict French circles, it is considered slightly impolite to say it because it implies a preoccupation with bodily functions.
- French uses bon to create the word bonbon for candy, literally translating to 'good good'.
Examples in context
- Ça sent bon !It smells good!This sentence shows how to use bon when describing a smell.Tatoeba #10655 by sacredceltic, translation #66685 by CK
- Ça a bon goût.This tastes good.This sentence shows how to use bon when describing a taste.Tatoeba #1067016 by sacredceltic, translation #1066826 by CK
- Tom a bon dos.Tom has a good excuse.This sentence shows how to use bon in the context of an excuse.Tatoeba #3178733 by nimfeo, translation #6780526 by Eccles17
- Je vais bien, merci.I'm doing well, thank you.
- Le projet avance très bien.The project is progressing very well.
- Vous avez fait un travail excellent.You have done an excellent job.
- Ça va bien ?Are you doing well?
- Ton cadeau est génial !Your gift is awesome!
- C'est-tu correct si on se voit demain ?Is it okay if we meet tomorrow?
- Ton travail est nickel, continue comme ça !Your work is perfect, keep it up!
- Les étudiants sont bons en mathématiques.The students are good at mathematics.
- Tu te sens bien aujourd'hui ?Are you feeling good today?
- 3972 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are talking about a movie they just watched.
- LucasC'était un bon film, non ?It was a good movie, right?
- EmmaOui, j'ai vraiment aimé l'histoire.Yes, I really liked the story.
- LucasLe scénario était vraiment bon.The script was really good.
- EmmaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Lucas.I agree with you, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good” translations and entries bon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
