Learning French: the origins and meaning of bon gré mal gré
A useful phrase to describe doing something against your will
You might also say this when ordering or encouraging someone to complete and unavoidable task
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The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus once said: “The only constant in life is change.” He implies that things, people and situations continually evolve, whether we like it or not, bon gré mal gré.
This handy French expression is often added to the start or at the end of a sentence to describe reluctant actions or inevitabilities.
We look at how to use this phrase in everyday French in a range of formal and informal contexts.
What does bon gré mal gré mean?
It literally translates as 'good will bad will'.
It implies that something is going to happen willingly or unwillingly, regardless of personal preference.
It can also suggest reluctance to complete an unavoidable task.
Similar expressions include:
À contre-cœur - Unwillingly
De gré ou de force - Whether you like it or not
D'une façon ou d'une autre - One way or another
Read also: Learning French: what does n’importe quoi mean and when should it be used?
What are the origins of bon gré mal gré?
Bon gré mal gré comes from the Latin phrases bon animo (with good will) and malo animo (with bad will).
It can also be separated in French:
De bon gré, indicates a willingness to do something.
De mal gré, indicates a reluctance to do something.
Gré, is a word that dates back to 10th Century France, referring to the idea of something being consented to or desired. It can be spotted in several more common French words, such as:
Read also: Mettre les pieds dans le plat: a fun French expression
When do you say bon gré mal gré?
You can say this to describe being forced to do something against your will:
It is often added to the beginning or end of a sentence when giving an order or encouraging someone to get on with an action:
It can also describe that something has happened unwillingly:
To whom do you say bon gré mal gré?
It is neutral language and can be used in a range of formal and informal situations, with both family and strangers.
Depending on your tone of voice when giving an order, this phrase can suggest stubbornness or encourage acceptance of an inevitable situation.
It is most often seen written down but can also be heard in spoken French.
Read also: Understanding 'contre vents et marées': A guide to French perseverance
