Understanding the Phrase "C'est une bonne question!" in French

Understanding the Phrase "C'est une bonne question!" in French

As any language learner knows, mastering idiomatic expressions is important in achieving accuracy in communication. In French, one common expression you might come across is "C'est une bonne question!", which means "That's a good question!" in English. While it may sound simple at first, the context in which this phrase is used can vary greatly depending on the situation.

The Meaning Behind "C'est une bonne question!"

The expression is an acknowledgment that the question asked by someone is insightful, difficult to answer, or will require deep thinking. It’s typically used to indicate that the question is not only valid, but also a good one that perhaps requires more reflection or analysis. It also means that the person does not have an answer to that question as of now.

In English, you might use expressions like “Hmm, that’s a great question!” or “I don’t know the answer to that, but let me think about it,” which express similar sentiments. In French, the phrase is often used as a conversational tool to engage more deeply with the question, or to give yourself a moment to think before providing an answer.

If someone asks a question that is especially insightful, complex, or hard to answer on the spot, a French speaker might respond with "C'est une bonne question!". It’s a way of saying that the question is worthy of attention and that it’s not easily answered offhand.

Sometimes, a question may leave you stunned, and you don’t immediately know how to respond. Instead of awkwardly staying silent, you might use "C'est une bonne question!" as a polite way to signal that you're thinking about it or that the question is deserving of a more thorough answer.

This kind of usage is very common in more casual conversations, debates, or discussions, where the responder is showing that they are considering the complexity of the question.

This phrase is also often used when someone asks you a question that is not easily answered in a few words, and you need a moment to gather your thoughts. By saying "C’est une bonne question!", the speaker buys time to think, without giving the impression that they are unprepared or lack knowledge.

This can be especially useful in interviews, debates, or formal conversations, where you want to be sure of your response before speaking.

Next time, you feel you can’t answer a question right away and want to buy more time to think, say, “C’est une bonne question!”.