What does bon in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word bon in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use bon in French.

The word bon in French means good, good, good, OK, okay, right, good, happy, ready to be, coupon, good, in, good, right, OK, good, good guy, Well, I'd better be off, He/she has met his/her match, lightly, legitimately, Don't say you weren't warned!, wisely, astutely, intelligently, What's the use? What's the point?, for a good price, at a good price, Spare some change?, Can you spare some change?, Really? Oh really?, be rife, head in the right direction, arrive safe and sound, be the very last to arrive, good enough, in the right place, at the right moment, at the right time, be kind-hearted, be a convenient scapegoat, be a convenient whipping boy, have high hopes + [indicative], have high hopes that + [indicative], have high hopes of doing, be open-minded, be approachable, be good natured, have good taste, have taste, have a sense of style, taste good, taste nice, be hale and hearty, not be all bad, not be all that bad, have common sense, be good at drawing, be a big eater, be a good cyclist, be good at art, be basically a good person, be proficient in , have a good standard of, ladybird, final proof, only fit for the bin, eligible, approved for payment, worth taking, good for nothing, final page proof, food voucher, good friend, close friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, in general, generally speaking, like it or not, Happy Birthday!, enjoy!, bearer bond, voucher, gift voucher, posh, good Samaritan, good Christian, Poire Williams, good customer, good client, customer copy, client copy, nice spot, good place, good spot, good shot, nice shot, good lay, Good luck!, good vintage, voucher, discount voucher, entry pass, order form, guarantee, entry form, delivery receipt, discount voucher, coupon, delivery note, exit pass, release voucher, work order, good riddance!, the good Lord, for God's sake!, treasury bond, good pupil, good student, top of the class, friendly, good-natured, good spirit, friendly spirit, good condition, smooth operation, good guy, good flavour, good taste, whether you like it or not, cheap, good time, witty remark, clever remark, good level in, proficient in, a large number of , a great number of, orderliness, good loser, good sport, good father, fit as a fiddle, good idea, star, signed and agreed, good for the figure, trouper, real trouper. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word bon

good

adjectif (supérieur à la moyenne)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Ce sont de bons ouvriers. // Tu pourrais me conseiller un bon restaurant ?
They are good workers. // Can you recommend me a good restaurant?

good

adjectif (agréable au goût) (food)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Ce dessert est très bon.
This dessert is very good.

good

adjectif (satisfaisant)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Pendant les soldes, je fais toujours de bonnes affaires.
During the sales, I always manage to get some good deals.

OK, okay

adjectif (utilisable, mangeable)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Tu es sûr que le saumon est encore bon ?
Are you sure the salmon is still OK?

right

adjectif (correct, pas faux)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Tu es sûr que nous avons la bonne adresse ? // Maîtresse, j'ai écrit « apparemment » avec deux p : c'est bon ?
Are you sure we've got the right address? // Miss, I've spelt "apparently" with two p's; is that right?

good

adjectif (personne : plein de vertu, aimable)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Le père François est un homme bon et pieux.
Father François is a good and pious man.

happy

adjectif (formule de souhait)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Je te souhaite un bon anniversaire et une bonne année.
I wish you a happy birthday and a happy New Year.

ready to be

locution adjectivale (parfait, approprié pour [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je crois que ton imprimante est bonne à remplacer. // Le chien a tout sali avec ses pattes pleines de boue. Je suis bon pour refaire le ménage !
I think your printer is ready to be replaced.

coupon

nom masculin (ticket, coupon)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
On peut échanger des fruits contre ce bon.
This coupon can be exchanged for some fruit.

good

adjectif (intensif)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Sers-moi une bonne louche de soupe.
Serve me a nice big ladle of soup.

in

adjectif (Sports : dans les limites) (Sports)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Alors, elle est bonne ou elle est faute ?
So, is it in or out?

good

adverbe (exhaler une odeur agréable)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Comme ces fleurs sentent bon !
These flowers smell so good!

right, OK

interjection (mot bouche-trou)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Bon, je vais y aller. // Bon, je pense qu'il est temps d'agir !
Right, I'm off. // OK, I think it's time to do something!

good

nom masculin (ce qui est agréable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Il y a aussi du bon dans la vie.
There are also good things in life.

good guy

nom masculin (personne vertueuse) (informal)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Dans ce genre de film, les bons gagnent toujours.
In this kind of film, the good guys always win.

Well, I'd better be off

(familier (Je m'en vais. Salut !) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

He/she has met his/her match

(la défense est à hauteur de l'attaque)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

lightly

locution adverbiale (sans trop de désagréments)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

legitimately

locution adverbiale (à juste raison, légitimement)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Ils se plaignent à bon droit.
They are complaining for good reason.

Don't say you weren't warned!

(que celui qui comprend...)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Les personnes intéressées voudront bien se le tenir pour dit une fois pour toutes. À bon entendeur, salut !

wisely, astutely, intelligently

locution adverbiale (avec à-propos)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Il parle peu mais toujours à bon escient.

What's the use? What's the point?

(pour quoi faire ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À quoi bon continuer s'il n'est pas là ?

for a good price, at a good price

locution adjectivale (à un prix intéressant)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Spare some change?, Can you spare some change?

interjection (demande d'aumône) (begging)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Really? Oh really?

interjection (C'est étonnant !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Ah bon ? Il n'est pas français ?

be rife

locution verbale (aller vite) (rumors)

head in the right direction

locution verbale (suivre la bonne voie)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

arrive safe and sound

locution verbale (figuré (parvenir à destination sans encombre)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

be the very last to arrive

locution verbale (venir après tout le monde)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ils sont arrivés bons derniers au marathon, mais ils étaient très heureux de leur course.

good enough

locution adjectivale (correct)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

in the right place

locution adverbiale (là où il faut)

at the right moment, at the right time

locution adverbiale (quand il faut)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

be kind-hearted

locution verbale (être généreux)

Ils ont bon cœur : ils accueillent des orphelins pendant les vacances.

be a convenient scapegoat, be a convenient whipping boy

locution adverbiale (figuré (servir d'excuse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have high hopes + [indicative], have high hopes that + [indicative]

locution verbale (être optimiste quant à [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai bon espoir que les ouvriers finissent les travaux avant l'automne.

have high hopes of doing

(être optimiste quant à [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mon fils a bon espoir de remporter la compétition.

be open-minded, be approachable, be good natured

locution verbale (accepter de composer)

Mon collègue a bon esprit : on peut toujours proposer et discuter de nouvelles idées.

have good taste, have taste

locution verbale (apprécier ce qui est beau)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
En matière de décoration, je vous fais entièrement confiance ; je sais que vous avez bon goût.

have a sense of style

locution verbale (bien savoir apparier les choses)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Tu as bon goût de mettre cette cravate avec cette chemise.

taste good, taste nice

locution verbale (avoir une saveur agréable) (food, drink)

Cette sauce a bon goût.

be hale and hearty

locution verbale (être alerte)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not be all bad, not be all that bad

locution verbale (ne pas être complètement négatif)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce licenciement a du bon finalement : je vais pouvoir me reconvertir, je n'osais pas le faire.

have common sense

locution verbale (avoir du sens commun)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be good at drawing

locution verbale (bien dessiner)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be a big eater

locution verbale (familier (manger copieusement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
He just shovels it down.

be a good cyclist

locution verbale (familier (vélo : pédaler vite)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be good at art

locution verbale (savoir dessiner)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
À 10 ans, cet artiste avait déjà un bon coup de pinceau.

be basically a good person

locution verbale (être foncièrement gentil)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
He's quick-tempered but basically a good person.

be proficient in , have a good standard of

(être bon en [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

ladybird

nom féminin (coccinelle) (UK)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

final proof

nom masculin (vieux (autorisation de photogravure)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

only fit for the bin

locution adjectivale (mauvais, à éliminer) (UK)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ces chaussettes sont complètement trouées, elles sont bonnes à jeter.

eligible

locution adjectivale (personne dont l'éducation est finie)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

approved for payment

nom masculin (vieux (autorisation de paiement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

worth taking

locution adjectivale (intéressant, appréciable)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Cette occasion est bonne à prendre.

good for nothing

nom masculin (ignare fainéant)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

final page proof

nom masculin (contrat entre imprimeur et annonceur)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le directeur signa les bons à tirer.
The director signed the final page proofs.

food voucher

nom masculin (ticket alimentaire)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

good friend, close friend

(personne de confiance)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

boyfriend, girlfriend

(vieilli, régionalisme (amoureux)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

in general, generally speaking

locution adverbiale (en moyenne)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Bon an mal an, un pied de pommes de terre donne environ 1 kilo.

like it or not

locution adverbiale (de toute façon)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Bon an mal an, il faudra bientôt refaire le plein de carburant.

Happy Birthday!

interjection (souhait de joyeux anniversaire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Tous crièrent « Bon anniversaire ! » à Simon lorsqu'il rentra chez lui.

enjoy!

interjection (souhait pour le repas)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Heureux de vous avoir à notre table, bon appétit à tous !
So happy that you could join us for dinner! Enjoy, everyone!

bearer bond

nom masculin (titre de créance)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

voucher, gift voucher

nom masculin (chèque offert, remise)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Cette promotion sur les pâtes offre un bon cadeau pour le prochain achat.

posh

(souvent péjoratif (distingué, trop comme il faut) (UK)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

good Samaritan

(personne charitable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

good Christian

(figuré ([qqn] de bonne moralité)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Poire Williams

nom féminin (poire Williams) (fruit brandy)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

good customer, good client

(client achetant beaucoup)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

customer copy, client copy

nom masculin (document pour le client)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

nice spot, good place, good spot

nom masculin (endroit où trouver [qch])

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Si tu veux t'amuser, je connais un bon coin pour ça.
If you want some fun, I know a good place for that.

good shot, nice shot

nom masculin (bonne opération) (sports)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Nous avons réalisé un bon coup en rachetant cette entreprise.

good lay

nom masculin (vulgaire (bon partenaire sexuel) (slightly vulgar)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Cette petite Espagnole était un bon coup.

Good luck!

interjection (armez-vous de volonté !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Si vous voulez un rendez-vous avec ce spécialiste dans la semaine, bon courage ! Il te reste encore 75 pages de rapport à relire ? Bon courage alors !
If you want an appointment with the specialist within the week, good luck! You still have 75 pages of that report to proofread? Well, good luck!

good vintage

nom masculin (bon vin)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

voucher, discount voucher

nom masculin (chèque offert)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Avec mes points collectés, le magasin m'offre un bon d'achat d'une valeur de 5 €.
In exchange for the points that I have collected the shop will give me a five euro voucher.

entry pass

nom masculin (ticket)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

order form

nom masculin (document définissant une commande)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Nous enverrons vos produits dès que nous aurons reçu votre bon de commande accompagné de son règlement.
We will send your products as soon as we receive your order form and payment.

guarantee

nom masculin (attestation contractuelle) (on a product)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le bon de garantie permet de faire, auprès du vendeur d'un article, une réclamation pendant un certain laps de temps.

entry form

nom masculin (ticket d'entrée, d'inscription)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

delivery receipt

nom masculin (document d'intervention)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

discount voucher, coupon

nom masculin (ticket de réduction)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

delivery note

nom masculin (récépissé)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

exit pass

nom masculin (permission de quitter)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

release voucher

nom masculin (autorisation de sortie de matériel)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

work order

nom masculin (document d'intervention)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

good riddance!

interjection (enfin tranquille)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Tu pars, tu ne reviendras plus, eh bien bon débarras !

the good Lord

nom masculin (familier (Dieu) (Religion)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Attention, le bon Dieu vous regarde lança le prêtre aux enfants de chœur.

for God's sake!

interjection (familier (juron traduisant la colère) (oath)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Pousse-toi, bon Dieu !
Good God! Move!

treasury bond

nom masculin (emprunt émis par l'État)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Détenir un bon du Trésor rend le propriétaire créancier de l'Etat.

good pupil, good student

(élève travaillant bien)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

top of the class

(entité qui réussit bien) (figurative)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

friendly, good-natured

(amical, sans malice)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

good spirit, friendly spirit

nom masculin (attitude positive)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

good condition

nom masculin (état général correct)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
À la fin d'une location, le propriétaire contrôle le bon état de son logement.
At the end of a rental period the landlord checks the accommodation is in good condition.

smooth operation

nom masculin (bon état de marche)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Nos hommes assurent le bon fonctionnement des équipements.

good guy

nom masculin (familier (gentil garçon)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

good flavour

nom masculin (saveur agréable) (UK)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Dans notre entreprise, nous nous efforçons de préserver le bon goût des aliments.

good taste

nom masculin (sens artistique)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
En matière de décoration, je fais confiance à votre bon goût.

whether you like it or not

locution adverbiale (que ce soit voulu ou non)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Bon gré mal gré, tu devras te décider à changer de voiture.

cheap

adjectif invariable (pas cher)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Contrairement aux aulx, les oignons sont bon marché.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I got these shoes for a bargain price.

good time

nom masculin (moment agréable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

witty remark, clever remark

nom masculin (mot d'esprit)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
L'écrivain était toujours en quête du bon mot qui le ferait briller.

good level in, proficient in

nom masculin (capacité requise en [qch])

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

a large number of , a great number of

(soutenu (beaucoup de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Bon nombre de poilus sont tombés durant la Grande Guerre.

orderliness

nom masculin (régularité ; exactitude)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Toutes ces mesures sont prises pour le bon ordre.

good loser, good sport

nom masculin (perdant fair-play, non revanchard)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

good father

nom masculin (père modèle)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le voisin est un bon père de famille.

fit as a fiddle

locution adjectivale (alerte) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

good idea

nom masculin (familier (bonne occasion)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ma sœur m'a donné un bon plan pour ce week-end.
My sister gave me a good idea for the weekend.

star

nom masculin (récompense d'élève) (equivalent)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Les bons points donnés par l'institutrice sont des images d'animaux.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. The teacher gives out stars for good work and gold stars for the best work.

signed and agreed

nom masculin (autorisation écrite) (on contract/quote)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Les parents doivent remettre à l'école un bon pour accord avant la sortie des enfants.
Parents have to submit a signed agreement before the children can go on a trip.

good for the figure

locution adjectivale (diététique)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

trouper, real trouper

locution adjectivale (figuré (bienveillant, indulgent) (informal)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Bon prince, Bernard a accepté de surveiller son neveu pendant la soirée. Bon prince, il a fermé les yeux sur la maladresse de l'employé.

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of bon in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

Related words of bon

Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.