Bon and bien are both often translated as good in English, but they do not work the same way in French. This is one of the most common beginner mistakes, so it is worth learning clearly.
Bon: usually an adjective
Bon describes a noun. It agrees in gender and number with the noun.
- un bon repas = a good meal
- une bonne idee = a good idea
- de bons amis = good friends
Bien: usually an adverb
Bien usually describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It often answers the question how?
- Tu parles bien francais. = You speak French well.
- Elle travaille bien. = She works well.
- Je vais bien. = I am well.
Very common mistake
Do not say je parle bon francais. The correct form is je parle bien francais because you are describing the verb parler.
Quick comparison
- C’est un bon livre. = It is a good book.
- Ce livre est bien ecrit. = This book is well written.
Mini practice
Choose bon or bien:
- Elle chante ___.
- C’est un ___ restaurant.
- Nous allons ___.
Suggested answers: bien, bon, bien.
