10 Informal French Synonyms for "Bon" You Need to Know

Updated on 2024-08-28

Learning synonyms for common words like "bon" (good) is a great way to expand your French vocabulary and sound more natural in conversations.

Let's explore 10 informal alternatives that will help you express yourself like a native speaker.

Chouette - Great, Nice

"Chouette" is a versatile and friendly way to express approval or describe something positively.

C'est chouette, merci ! (That's great, thanks!)
Il est vraiment chouette. (He's really nice.)

Cool - Cool

Yes, the English word "cool" has found its way into French! Use it just like you would in English.

Elle est cool, cette fille. (That girl is cool.)
Il a l'air cool. (He looks cool.)

Énorme - Amazing

"Énorme" literally means "enormous," but in casual speech, it's used to describe something amazing or impressive.

C'est un mec énorme ! (He's an amazing guy!)
C'est énorme ce que tu as fait. (What you've done is amazing.)

Épatant - Great

While slightly old-fashioned, "épatant" is still used for a touch of retro charm, similar to "groovy" in English.

C'est épatant ! (That's great!)
On est allé à une soirée épatante. (We went to a cool party.)

Extra - Terrific, Great

"Extra" in French is used as an adjective to describe something exceptional or excellent.

Ce resto est extra. (This restaurant is terrific.)
J'ai lu un livre extra. (I read a great book.)

Fantastique - Fantastic

Similar to its English counterpart, "fantastique" expresses enthusiasm and admiration.

Tu es vraiment fantastique ! (You are really fantastic!)
C'est une idée fantastique. (That's a fantastic idea.)

Formidable - Great

"Formidable" is a common way to express that something is wonderful or impressive.

C'est formidable ! (That's great!)
Il est formidable que... (It's great that...)

Note: Don't confuse this with the English "formidable," which means "redoutable" or "terrible" in French.

Géant - Great

Literally meaning "giant," "géant" is used colloquially to express enthusiasm.

Ouaou, c'est géant ! (Wow, that's great!)
Ça serait géant si tu chantais. (It would be great if you sang.)

Génial - Great, Fantastic, Brilliant, Awesome

"Génial" is one of the most versatile and commonly used synonyms for "bon" in casual speech.

C'était génial ! (It was fantastic!)
J'ai entendu une blague géniale. (I heard a great joke.)

Super - Terrific, Great, Awesome

Another versatile option, "super" can be used as an adjective or an exclamation.

Elle est super, cette nana. (That girl is terrific.)
Super ! (Great!)

These informal synonyms for "bon" will help you express yourself more naturally in French. Practice using them in your conversations to sound more like a native speaker.

Remember, context is key when choosing which word to use.

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