Saying “That’s Good” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Expressing approval or agreement is a fundamental part of communication. In English, we often use the phrase “that’s good” to convey satisfaction, agreement, or a positive assessment.

Learning how to say “that’s good” in Spanish, and understanding the nuances of various expressions, is crucial for effective communication and cultural understanding. This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering this essential phrase, exploring its different forms, contexts, and usage rules.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently express approval in Spanish.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “That’s Good” in Spanish
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories of Expressions
   • Bueno/Buena
   • Bien
   • Está bien
   • Qué bien
   • Other Expressions
5. Examples
   • Examples with Bueno/Buena
   • Examples with Bien
   • Examples with Está Bien
   • Examples with Qué Bien
   • Examples with Other Expressions
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of “That’s Good” in Spanish

The phrase “that’s good” can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. The most common translations are “bueno” (masculine) or “buena” (feminine), “bien,” and “está bien.” Each of these expressions has slightly different connotations and is used in different situations. Understanding these differences is key to using them correctly.

Bueno/Buena are adjectives, meaning they describe a noun. They translate more directly to “good.” Bien is an adverb, modifying a verb or adjective, and typically translates to “well.” Está bien is a phrase meaning “it is good” or “that’s okay.” Knowing when to use each depends on what aspect you are commenting on: a thing, an action, or a situation.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of these phrases is relatively simple, but understanding the grammatical roles of each word is important. Bueno/Buena are adjectives and must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Bien is an adverb and does not change. Está bien is a fixed phrase using the verb estar (to be) in the third-person singular form, followed by the adverb bien.

For Bueno/Buena, the placement is typically before the noun, especially in more formal or literary contexts. However, placing it after the noun is also common and acceptable. For example, “un buen día” (a good day) and “un día bueno” are both correct, though the former is slightly more common. The position can sometimes subtly affect the emphasis or meaning.

Types and Categories of Expressions

Bueno/Buena

Bueno (masculine) and Buena (feminine) are adjectives used to describe nouns. They mean “good” and must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. For example, you would say “un buen libro” (a good book) for a masculine noun and “una buena idea” (a good idea) for a feminine noun.

Bien

Bien is an adverb that means “well.” It is used to describe how something is done or to express that something is going well. Unlike bueno/buena, bien does not change based on gender or number. For example, “Ella canta bien” (She sings well) and “Todo está bien” (Everything is well/okay).

Está bien

Está bien is a phrase that means “it is good,” “that’s okay,” or “that’s fine.” It is used to express agreement, acceptance, or that something is satisfactory. The verb estar is used here because it describes a temporary state or condition. For instance, “Está bien, no te preocupes” (It’s okay, don’t worry).

Qué bien

Qué bien is an exclamation that means “how good,” “that’s great,” or “how nice.” It is used to express excitement or happiness about something. It’s a more emphatic way of saying “that’s good.” For example, “¡Qué bien que viniste!” (How great that you came!).

Other Expressions

Besides the common expressions, there are other ways to say “that’s good” in Spanish, depending on the context and the level of formality. These include:
“Vale” (Okay/Good – common in Spain), “De acuerdo” (Agreed/Okay), “Perfecto” (Perfect), “Genial” (Great/Awesome), and “Estupendo” (Wonderful/Great).

Examples

Examples with Bueno/Buena

The following table illustrates the use of bueno and buena in various contexts. Notice how the adjective changes to match the gender and number of the noun it describes.

Spanish	English Translation	Notes
Es un buen libro.	It’s a good book.	Masculine singular noun.
Es una buena película.	It’s a good movie.	Feminine singular noun.
Son buenos amigos.	They are good friends.	Masculine plural noun.
Son buenas amigas.	They are good friends.	Feminine plural noun.
¡Qué bueno verte!	It’s good to see you!	Used as an exclamation.
Tengo una buena noticia.	I have good news.	Feminine singular noun.
Es un buen día para ir a la playa.	It’s a good day to go to the beach.	Masculine singular noun.
Ella tiene una buena voz.	She has a good voice.	Feminine singular noun.
Es un buen restaurante.	It’s a good restaurant.	Masculine singular noun.
Tenemos buenas ideas.	We have good ideas.	Feminine plural noun.
Ese es un buen coche.	That is a good car.	Masculine singular noun.
Esta es una buena oportunidad.	This is a good opportunity.	Feminine singular noun.
Ellos son buenos estudiantes.	They are good students.	Masculine plural noun.
Ellas son buenas atletas.	They are good athletes.	Feminine plural noun.
Es un buen momento para empezar.	It’s a good time to start.	Masculine singular noun.
Es una buena señal.	It’s a good sign.	Feminine singular noun.
Son buenos recuerdos.	They are good memories.	Masculine plural noun.
Son buenas personas.	They are good people.	Feminine plural noun.
Es un buen precio.	It’s a good price.	Masculine singular noun.
Es una buena solución.	It’s a good solution.	Feminine singular noun.
Es un buen plan.	It’s a good plan.	Masculine singular noun.
Es una buena estrategia.	It’s a good strategy.	Feminine singular noun.
Son buenos resultados.	They are good results.	Masculine plural noun.
Son buenas noticias.	They are good news.	Feminine plural noun.

Examples with Bien

The following table demonstrates the use of bien. Notice that it remains constant regardless of gender or number.

Spanish	English Translation	Notes
Ella canta bien.	She sings well.	Describing how she sings.
Todo está bien.	Everything is okay.	Describing the state of things.
Lo hiciste bien.	You did it well.	Describing how you did something.
Me siento bien.	I feel well.	Describing how you feel.
¿Estás bien?	Are you okay?	Asking about someone’s well-being.
El examen salió bien.	The exam went well.	Describing how the exam went.
El coche funciona bien.	The car works well.	Describing how the car functions.
Hablaste muy bien.	You spoke very well.	Describing how someone spoke.
La comida sabe bien.	The food tastes good.	Describing how the food tastes.
Duermo bien por las noches.	I sleep well at night.	Describing how someone sleeps.
Cocinas muy bien.	You cook very well.	Describing how someone cooks.
Trabajo bien bajo presión.	I work well under pressure.	Describing how someone works.
Se porta bien.	He/She behaves well.	Describing someone’s behavior.
Aprendes bien.	You learn well.	Describing how someone learns.
Lo entiendes bien.	You understand it well.	Describing how someone understands something.
Me explico bien.	I explain myself well.	Describing how someone explains something.
Te ves bien.	You look good.	Describing someone’s appearance.
Me va bien en la escuela.	I’m doing well in school.	Describing how someone is doing in school.
Todo saldrá bien.	Everything will turn out well.	Expressing hope for a good outcome.
Me siento cada día mejor.	I feel better every day.	Describing improving health.
El proyecto va bien.	The project is going well.	Describing the progress of a project.
Se recuperó bien de la operación.	He/She recovered well from the surgery.	Describing recovery from surgery.
Nos comunicamos bien.	We communicate well.	Describing communication quality.
Se coordinan bien como equipo.	They coordinate well as a team.	Describing teamwork.

Examples with Está Bien

The following table presents examples of está bien used to express agreement or acceptance.

Spanish	English Translation	Notes
Está bien, lo haré.	That’s good, I’ll do it.	Expressing agreement to do something.
Está bien, no te preocupes.	It’s okay, don’t worry.	Reassuring someone.
Está bien, podemos intentarlo.	That’s good, we can try it.	Expressing willingness to try.
Está bien, entiendo.	That’s okay, I understand.	Expressing understanding.
Está bien, no hay problema.	That’s good, there’s no problem.	Assuring there is no issue.
Está bien, lo acepto.	That’s good, I accept it.	Expressing acceptance.
Está bien, nos vemos mañana.	That’s good, see you tomorrow.	Concluding a conversation.
Está bien, así está perfecto.	That’s good, that’s perfect.	Expressing satisfaction.
Está bien, gracias por tu ayuda.	That’s good, thanks for your help.	Expressing gratitude.
Está bien, si tú lo dices.	That’s good, if you say so.	Expressing agreement based on someone else’s opinion.
Está bien, no importa.	That’s good, it doesn’t matter.	Dismissing something as unimportant.
Está bien, lo dejamos así.	That’s good, we’ll leave it like that.	Agreeing to a certain arrangement.
Está bien, lo comprendo.	That’s good, I understand it.	Expressing comprehension.
Está bien, no te enfades.	That’s good, don’t get angry.	Asking someone not to be upset.
Está bien, puedes usarlo.	That’s good, you can use it.	Giving permission.
Está bien, lo consideraré.	That’s good, I will consider it.	Promising to think about something.
Está bien, te creo.	That’s good, I believe you.	Expressing belief.
Está bien, lo revisaré.	That’s good, I will check it.	Promising to review something.
Está bien, lo arreglaremos.	That’s good, we will fix it.	Promising to resolve a problem.
Está bien, lo solucionaremos.	That’s good, we will solve it.	Promising to find a solution.
Está bien, lo consultaré.	That’s good, I will consult it.	Promising to seek advice.
Está bien, lo investigaré.	That’s good, I will investigate it.	Promising to look into something.
Está bien, lo confirmaré.	That’s good, I will confirm it.	Promising to verify something.
Está bien, lo verificaré.	That’s good, I will verify it.	Promising to double-check something.

Examples with Qué Bien

The following table shows how qué bien is used to express enthusiasm or joy.

Spanish	English Translation	Notes
¡Qué bien que viniste!	How great that you came!	Expressing pleasure at someone’s arrival.
¡Qué bien que te guste!	How good that you like it!	Expressing satisfaction that someone likes something.
¡Qué bien que lo hayas logrado!	How great that you have achieved it!	Expressing congratulations on an achievement.
¡Qué bien que estés aquí!	How good that you are here!	Expressing joy at someone’s presence.
¡Qué bien que te sientas mejor!	How good that you feel better!	Expressing happiness at someone’s improved health.
¡Qué bien que hayas aprobado el examen!	How great that you passed the exam!	Expressing congratulations on passing an exam.
¡Qué bien que todo haya salido bien!	How good that everything turned out well!	Expressing relief and happiness at a positive outcome.
¡Qué bien que te diviertas!	How good that you’re having fun!	Expressing pleasure that someone is enjoying themselves.
¡Qué bien que tengas vacaciones!	How great that you have vacation!	Expressing happiness for someone’s vacation.
¡Qué bien que te cases!	How great that you’re getting married!	Expressing congratulations on someone’s upcoming marriage.
¡Qué bien que tengas un nuevo trabajo!	How great that you have a new job!	Expressing congratulations on a new job.
¡Qué bien que hayas encontrado una solución!	How great that you’ve found a solution!	Expressing relief and congratulations on finding a solution.
¡Qué bien que estés aprendiendo español!	How great that you’re learning Spanish!	Encouraging someone’s language learning efforts.
¡Qué bien que estés disfrutando del viaje!	How great that you’re enjoying the trip!	Expressing pleasure that someone is enjoying their trip.
¡Qué bien que estés sano!	How great that you’re healthy!	Expressing happiness for someone’s good health.
¡Qué bien que hayas terminado el proyecto!	How great that you’ve finished the project!	Expressing congratulations on finishing a project.
¡Qué bien que estés aquí con nosotros!	How great that you’re here with us!	Expressing pleasure at someone’s presence in a group.
¡Qué bien que te guste la música!	How great that you like the music!	Expressing satisfaction that someone likes the music.
¡Qué bien que te guste la comida!	How great that you like the food!	Expressing satisfaction that someone likes the food.
¡Qué bien que te guste el regalo!	How great that you like the gift!	Expressing satisfaction that someone likes the gift.

Examples with Other Expressions

This table provides examples of alternative ways to say “that’s good” in Spanish, offering more variety in your expressions.

Spanish	English Translation	Notes
Vale, nos vemos luego.	Okay, see you later.	Common in Spain.
De acuerdo, estoy de acuerdo contigo.	Agreed, I agree with you.	Expressing agreement.
Perfecto, eso es lo que quería.	Perfect, that’s what I wanted.	Expressing satisfaction.
Genial, me encanta la idea.	Great, I love the idea.	Expressing enthusiasm.
Estupendo, vamos a hacerlo.	Wonderful, let’s do it.	Expressing excitement and agreement.
Está bien, trato hecho.	Okay, deal.	Agreeing to a deal.
De maravilla, todo salió bien.	Wonderful, everything went well.	Expressing satisfaction with a positive outcome.
Okey, te entiendo perfectamente.	Okay, I understand you perfectly.	Expressing understanding.
Bueno, no está mal.	Well, it’s not bad.	Expressing mild satisfaction.
Me parece bien, hagámoslo así.	It seems good to me, let’s do it that way.	Expressing agreement with a suggestion.

Usage Rules

The key to using these expressions correctly is understanding the grammatical rules and the subtle differences in meaning. Remember that bueno/buena must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Bien is an adverb and does not change. Está bien is a fixed phrase, and qué bien is an exclamation.

When using bueno/buena, be mindful of its position relative to the noun. Placing it before the noun often gives it a more inherent or essential quality, while placing it after can emphasize a more situational quality. For example, “un buen amigo” suggests someone who is inherently a good friend, while “un amigo bueno” might refer to a friend who is good in a particular situation.

Context is crucial. Está bien is best used when expressing agreement or acceptance, while qué bien is for expressing excitement or joy. Bien describes how something is done or its state.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using bueno/buena when you should use bien, and vice versa. Remember that bueno/buena describe nouns, while bien describes verbs or adjectives. For example, saying “Yo estoy bueno” when you mean “I am well” is incorrect; the correct phrase is “Yo estoy bien.” “Yo estoy bueno” implies “I am attractive” or “I am tasty” (in some contexts), which is likely not what you intend to say.

Another mistake is not ensuring that bueno/buena agree with the noun in gender and number. For example, saying “Es un buena libro” is incorrect; it should be “Es un buen libro.”

Using estoy bueno/a instead of estoy bien to express that you are feeling well is a very common mistake. Bueno/a can imply attractiveness or tastiness, not health or well-being. Always use bien to describe your state of health or general well-being.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Yo estoy bueno.	Yo estoy bien.	Bueno describes a noun; bien describes a state of being.
Es un buena libro.	Es un buen libro.	Bueno must agree with the masculine noun libro.
Ella canta bueno.	Ella canta bien.	Bueno is an adjective; bien is the correct adverb to describe how she sings.
Está bueno. (when agreeing to do something)	Está bien.	Está bueno can mean “it’s tasty.” Está bien means “it’s okay.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with the following exercises. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

Question	Option A	Option B	Correct Answer
1. Es un ____ día.	bueno	bien	A
2. Ella cocina ____.	buena	bien	B
3. ____, lo haré.	Está bueno	Está bien	B
4. ¡____ que viniste!	Qué bueno	Qué bien	B
5. Son ____ amigas.	buenos	buenas	B
6. El coche funciona ____.	bueno	bien	B
7. ____, no te preocupes.	Está bueno	Está bien	B
8. ¡____ que te guste!	Qué bueno	Qué bien	B
9. Es una ____ idea.	buena	bien	A
10. Me siento ____.	bueno	bien	B

Answers: 1. A, 2. B, 3. B, 4. B, 5. B, 6. B, 7. B, 8. B, 9. A, 10. B

More Exercises:

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of bueno/buena, bien, or está bien.

1. ¿Te sientes ____ hoy?
2. Es un ____ restaurante.
3. ____, podemos empezar.
4. Ella habla español muy ____.
5. Tengo una ____ noticia.
6. Todo saldrá ____.
7. ____, gracias por todo.
8. Es un ____ momento para hablar.
9. El examen salió ____.
10. ¡Qué ____ que estés aquí!

Answers: 1. bien, 2. buen, 3. Está bien, 4. bien, 5. buena, 6. bien, 7. Está bien, 8. buen, 9. bien, 10. bien

Advanced Topics

For more advanced learners, consider exploring regional variations in the use of these expressions. For example, the expression “vale” is very common in Spain but less so in Latin America. Also, delve deeper into the nuances of positioning bueno/buena before or after the noun and how it affects the perceived meaning.

Additionally, investigate idiomatic expressions that incorporate these words. For example, “de buenas a primeras” means “suddenly” or “out of the blue.” Understanding these idioms will enhance your comprehension and fluency.

FAQ

1. What’s the difference between bueno and bien?

   Bueno is an adjective that describes nouns and must agree in gender and number. Bien is an adverb that describes verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and does not change. Think of “bueno” as “good” and “bien” as “well.”

2. When should I use está bien?

   Use está bien to express agreement, acceptance, or that something is satisfactory. It’s a fixed phrase that means “it is good,” “that’s okay,” or “that’s fine.”

3. What does qué bien mean?

   Qué bien is an exclamation that means “how good,” “that’s great,” or “how nice.” It expresses excitement or happiness about something.

4. Is vale used in all Spanish-speaking countries?

   No, vale is primarily used in Spain. While it might be understood in other countries, it’s not as common as other expressions like está bien or de acuerdo.

5. Can I say “Yo soy bueno” to mean “I am well”?

   No, saying “Yo soy bueno” means “I am good” in the sense of being a good person. To say “I am well,” you should say “Yo estoy bien.” Ser describes inherent qualities, while estar describes temporary states.

6. How do I make bueno plural?

   The plural forms of bueno are buenos (masculine) and buenas (feminine). Remember to match the gender and number of the noun you are describing.

7. Is there a difference between “un buen hombre” and “un hombre bueno”?

   Yes, there is a subtle difference. “Un buen hombre” (a good man) generally implies that the man is inherently good in character. “Un hombre bueno” (a man [who is] good) can imply that the man is good in a specific context or situation. The placement of the adjective can slightly alter the emphasis.

8. What are some other ways to express agreement besides “está bien”?

   Other ways to express agreement include “de acuerdo,” “perfecto,” “vale,” and “okey.” The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of saying “that’s good” in Spanish involves understanding the nuances between bueno/buena, bien, está bien, and other related expressions. Each phrase has its specific context and usage, and knowing these differences will significantly improve your communication skills. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to how native speakers use these expressions in real-life conversations. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to expressing approval and agreement in Spanish with confidence and accuracy.

Continue practicing with different scenarios and contexts to solidify your understanding. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are a natural part of the learning process.

Embrace the challenge, and soon you’ll be fluently expressing your approval in Spanish!