bien
adverbBeginnerHigh frequency
What does “bien” mean in English?
well
Example sentences
Hablo bien español.
I speak Spanish well.
Estoy bien.
I'm well / I'm fine.
Cocinas muy bien.
You cook very well.
How to use it
Bien means 'well' (adverb). Modifies verbs. Distinct from bueno (good, adjective). Use bien for HOW someone does something.
Common mistake
Bien (adverb, modifies verb) vs bueno (adjective, modifies noun). 'Hablo bien' (I speak well, verb), 'soy bueno' (I'm good, identity).
Topics
Related Beginner words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows A New Reference Grammar of Modern Spanish (Butt, Benjamin & Moreira Rodríguez, Routledge), 31.