Learning French: when and why do we say bien joué?
Have you heard the verlan variation of this phrase used to give praise?
Say bien joué to celebrate an achievement in a casual setting
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Bien joué !
Whether at a sports match, playing a board game or making casual conversation, you are sure to find an opportunity to compliment someone’s performance or achievement while visiting France.
We look at how to use this celebratory term in everyday French and point out why it is connected to the fictional private detective, Slim Callaghan.
What does bien joué mean?
It literally translates as, ‘well played,’ and is used to praise someone for a positive action or achievement.
Even though it exists in English, ‘well played’ is heard a lot less frequently than bien joué is used in French.
Similar terms include:
Read also: Exploring 'avoir du bol': unveiling the quirky origins of a popular French expression
A less popular variation of this phrase is: bien joué Callaghan. Saying this would imply that someone has achieved something by being sly or cunning.
It is taken from the French translation of Peter Cheyney’s novels about a private detective named Slim Callaghan, first published in 1938.
When do you say bien joué?
It often appears as a standalone phrase but can also be added before or after a celebratory statement.
You could use bien joué in the literal sense of describing something which has been well played. For example, when playing a board game, during a sporting match or after a musical performance:
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It can also be said more generally as a casual way of praising someone else’s professional or personal achievement:
Statement: J'ai demandé à ma copine de m'épouser et elle a dit oui ! - I asked my girlfriend to marry me and she said yes!
Response: Wow, bien joué, félicitations ! - Wow, way to go, congratulations!
It may also be used sarcastically when someone makes an error:
Younger generations have transformed bien joué into bien ouej (pronounced: ou-ai-je), ouej being the verlan (reversed) version of joué.
To whom do you say bien joué?
It is technically considered neutral language, however bien joué is often heard in casual settings and some people may consider it slightly informal.
You can use it with friends, family or colleagues.
Be careful when using this phrase sarcastically as it could cause offence.
Read also: Understanding 'être sage comme une image': A unique French expression for well-behaved children
