muy bien
Lemma Details
Translation: very well; very good; all right; okay
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: Composed of 'muy' (very) from Latin 'multum' (much, greatly) and 'bien' (well, good) from Latin 'bene'. The combination creates an intensified expression of approval or agreement that is ubiquitous in Spanish conversation.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
¿Entiendes la lección? - Muy bien.
Do you understand the lesson? - Very well.
Muy bien, ahora vamos a continuar con el siguiente tema.
Very good, now let's continue with the next topic.
Lo hiciste muy bien en el examen.
You did very well on the exam.
¡Muy bien! Has terminado todos los ejercicios.
Very good! You have finished all the exercises.
Mnemonics
- Think of responding 'very well' to a teacher or boss who asks if you understand something.
- The 'bien' sounds like 'been' in English, so you can think 'I've been very good' (muy bien).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
This is one of the most frequently used expressions in Spanish conversation. It serves multiple functions: as a response to show understanding, to express approval, to acknowledge information, or to mark a transition in conversation. It's often accompanied by a nod or other affirmative gesture.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Muy bien' is an intensified form of 'bien'. 'Bien' alone means 'well' or 'good' without the emphasis that 'muy' (very) adds.
This word:
Lo hiciste muy bien.
You did very well.
Confused word:
Lo hiciste bien.
You did well.
Notes: In conversation, 'muy bien' often carries more enthusiasm and approval than the simple 'bien'.
Mnemonic: 'Muy bien' has the extra 'muy' for extra emphasis - it's 'very' good, not just 'good'.
Explanation: 'Muy bien' is an adverbial phrase while 'bueno' is an adjective meaning 'good'. 'Bueno' modifies nouns while 'muy bien' typically modifies verbs or serves as a standalone response.
Confused word:
Eres un buen estudiante.
You are a good student.
Notes: Both can express approval, but in different grammatical contexts.
Mnemonic: Think: 'bien' for how something is done (adverb), 'bueno' for what something is (adjective).