If you want to know how to say great in French, the best word depends on the situation. Génial means “great” or “awesome,” super is casual “great,” and formidable means “wonderful” or “excellent.” You can also say très bien for “very good”; see very in French for très.
“Great” in French is often génial, pronounced approximately “zhay-nee-AL.” In casual speech, Super ! is also very common.
How Do You Say Great in French?
The most common translation of great in French is génial. It can describe something excellent or express enthusiastic approval: Génial ! means “Great!” or “Awesome!”
In casual conversation, French speakers also use super. For a more formal or polished compliment, use formidable or excellent.
Meaning: Great
Different French Words for Great
Choose the adjective based on tone, strength, and the noun’s gender.
1. Génial — Great / Awesome
Génial is enthusiastic and conversational. C’est génial ! means “That’s great!” or “That’s awesome!”
2. Super — Great / Cool
Super is an informal, easy word for “great,” “super,” or “cool.” It is often used as an exclamation: Super ! Merci.
3. Formidable — Wonderful / Excellent
Formidable means “wonderful,” “excellent,” or “great.” It works in both ordinary and more polished speech.
4. Excellent — Excellent
Excellent is almost the same as English “excellent.” It is useful for praising work, food, results, or an idea.
5. Très bien — Very Good / Great
Très bien literally means “very good.” It can mean “great” as a response or evaluation: Très bien !
Great in French: Quick Comparison
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| French | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| génial | great / awesome | Enthusiastic approval |
| super | great / cool | Casual conversation |
| formidable | wonderful / excellent | Strong compliment |
| excellent | excellent | Work, food, results |
| très bien | very good / great | Evaluation or response |
How to Pronounce Génial
Génial is pronounced approximately “zhay-nee-AL.” The g before é sounds like the “s” in “measure.” Stress is light, but the final syllable is prominent.
The final l is pronounced clearly. Do not pronounce génial like the English word “genial,” which has a different sound.
Génial or Géniale?
Génial is masculine, and géniale is feminine. Un film génial means “a great movie,” while une idée géniale means “a great idea.”
As an exclamation, Génial ! is commonly used regardless of the person or thing being praised.
Example Sentences Using Great in French
Use: Praising an idea.
Use: Casual approval.
Use: Praising an experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great in French
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How do you say great in French?
Use génial for “great” or “awesome.” In casual speech, super is also very common.
What does génial mean?
Génial means “great,” “awesome,” or “brilliant,” depending on context.
How do you say great job in French?
Say Excellent travail ! or Bon travail !. Bravo ! is also a natural “Well done!”
What is the difference between génial and super?
Both are positive. Génial means “great” or “awesome,” while super is shorter and more casual.
How do you say that’s great in French?
Say C’est génial !, C’est super !, or C’est formidable !.
How do you say great idea in French?
Say une idée géniale, meaning “a great idea.”
Summary: How to Say Great in French
The main word for great in French is génial. Use super casually, formidable for “wonderful,” and très bien for “very good.”
Remember the feminine form géniale: une idée géniale means “a great idea.”
