"Jules et Pierre se sont bien amusés le weekend dernier."

W. M.A2Kwiziq community member

"Jules et Pierre se sont bien amusés le weekend dernier."

What is the purpose of the 'bien' in this sentence?

Wouldn't the meaning be exactly the same if it was omitted?

Asked 6 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Walker,

The addition of 'bien' intensifies the fun element , the difference between a good time and a great time.

Hope this helps!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

They had great fun last weekend.

Would the meaning be the same without "great"?

W. M.A2Kwiziq community member

Chris: Sorry, I should have quoted the English translation from the page.  It does not utilise the word 'great'.  It just says they 'had fun' which (to have fun) is the base meaning of s'amuser (no bien required).

However, I do understand after reading Cécile's explanation that this is about intensifying the 'fun' element of the meaning, much like the bien in "j'aime bien...," when referring to objects (not people) I suppose.

Many thanks to you both!

W. M.A2Kwiziq community member
"Much like the bien in 'j'aime bien' emphasises how much you like an object," I meant to say. 
W. M. asked:View original

"Jules et Pierre se sont bien amusés le weekend dernier."

What is the purpose of the 'bien' in this sentence?

Wouldn't the meaning be exactly the same if it was omitted?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!