bien

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/bjɛ̃/

adverb

well; in good condition; satisfactorily; correctly

Je me sens bien dans mon nouvel appartement.

I feel good in my new apartment.

Synonyms:correctement, satisfaisamment, comme il faut

adverb

really; very; quite (used to intensify an adjective or verb)

C'est bien pénible d'attendre le bus sous la pluie.

It's really annoying to wait for the bus in the rain.

Synonyms:vraiment, très, carrément, grave

adverb

well (used to start or transition in speech)

Bien, commençons la réunion.

Well, let's start the meeting.

Synonyms:bon, alors, donc

nounmasculine

good(s); possession(s); property; asset(s)

Ils ont perdu tous leurs biens dans l'incendie.

They lost all their possessions in the fire.

Synonyms:possession, propriété, avoir

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Bien primarily means "well" (adverb). It can also function as a noun ("good," "property"), an intensifier ("quite," "very"), or an interjection ("okay," "good").

USAGE

As an adverb, it modifies verbs: *Je vais bien.* (I am well.) *Il parle bien français.* (He speaks French well.) It can intensify adjectives: *C'est bien chaud.* (It's quite hot.)

TRAPS

Don't confuse bien (adverb, "well") with *bon* (adjective, "good"). While *C'est bien!* means "That's good/correct!", you'd say *C'est un bon repas* (It's a good meal).