French word

bonhomme

Pronunciation

IPA/bonɔm/

Meaning

  • masculine noungood guy

Example

C'est un bonhomme sur qui on peut compter.

He's a good guy you can count on.

Illustration for bonhomme (good guy)

More examples

Mon collègue est un bonhomme sympa.

My colleague is a nice guy.

Core concept

A friendly person treated as an easygoing, decent fellow.

Common phrases

  • un bonhomme sympa

    a nice guy

  • un brave bonhomme

    a good fellow

Similar words

mec: A casual term for a man used among friends or in familiar settings.
gars: An informal, general term for a man.

Definition in French

S'emploie pour parler d'une personne sympathique ou de bonne nature.

Word origin

The noun bonhomme combines bon and homme and became a familiar French term for a person regarded as kind or good-natured.

Usage tips

  • Bonhomme is familiar and can sound patronizing or dismissive in a sharp context, so tone and the relationship between speakers affect its force.

Other meanings

  • guynoun

Opposites

  • salaudbastardnoun
  • vauriengood-for-nothingnoun

Word lists with this word