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Contradictory French Expression
| Meaning | well done / serves you right | |
| Literally | well done | |
| Register | normal / familiar | |
| Pronunciation |  |
[byeh(n) feh] |
| IPA | [bjɛ̃ fɛ] | |
Usage notes: The French expression bien fait has contradictory meanings, depending on how it’s used.
When it modifies a noun or verb, bien fait generally means just what it looks like: "well done."
Par exemple…
| C’est un discours bien fait. | It’s a good speech, The speech is well done. | |
| Tu as bien fait de partir tôt. | You were right to leave early. |
It can describe a person as attractive or well dressed.
Par exemple…
| C’est un homme bien fait. | He’s a well-dressed man. | |
| Elle est bien faite. | She is attractive. |
Note that bien can also be used as an intensifier, so is sometimes used in front of fait without the two words actually forming this expression.
Par exemple…
| J’ai la preuve qu’il l’a bien fait. | I have the proof that he did indeed do it. | |
| Tu as bien fait comprendre que … | You’ve make it very clear that … |
However, when bien fait is used as an interjection, it turns into opposite speak, with various English equivalents:
- it’s your own fault
- karmic justice
- serves you right
- you deserve it
- you got what you deserved
- you had that coming
Par exemple…
| – Elle m’a surpris en train de mentir. – Bien fait ! |
– She caught me in a lie. – Serves you right! |
|
| Après avoir volé mon portefeuille, il est tombé et s’est cassé la jambe. Bien fait ! | After stealing my wallet, he fell and broke his leg. Karmic justice! |
Variation: c’est bien fait
Un bienfait is a noun meaning "benefit" or "charitable act."
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