tant mieux

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so much the better, great, good, thankfully
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/tɑ̃ mjø/
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A concise response showing satisfaction or relief that a situation has turned out favorably.
Practice using tant mieux in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • S'il a trouvé un emploi qui lui plaît, tant mieux pour lui.
    If he has found a job he likes, good for him.
  • Le traitement fonctionne, et c'est tant mieux.
    The treatment is working, and that's a good thing.
  • Elle arrive plus tôt que prévu ? Tant mieux, nous aurons le temps de déjeuner.
    She is arriving earlier than expected? Great, we will have time for lunch.
  • Il affirme qu'il n'a besoin de personne. Tant mieux pour lui, a-t-elle répondu d'un ton ironique.
    He says he does not need anyone. Good for him, she replied ironically.
  • Tant mieux si tout le monde peut venir.
    All the better if everyone can come.

Similar words

c'est une bonne chose
c'est très bien
à la bonne heure
heureusement

Meanings

Glad that things turned out well

emotions
neutral
Expresses pleasure, approval, or relief because a fact or outcome is favorable, sometimes delivered ironically to show dismissive indifference.

Examples

  • Tu n'as rien à payer ? Tant mieux !
    You don't have to pay anything? Great!
  • Le traitement fonctionne, et c'est tant mieux.
    The treatment is working, and that's a good thing.
  • S'il a trouvé un emploi qui lui plaît, tant mieux pour lui.
    If he has found a job he likes, good for him.
  • Tant mieux si tout le monde peut venir.
    All the better if everyone can come.
  • Elle arrive plus tôt que prévu ? Tant mieux, nous aurons le temps de déjeuner.
    She is arriving earlier than expected? Great, we will have time for lunch.
  • Il affirme qu'il n'a besoin de personne. Tant mieux pour lui, a-t-elle répondu d'un ton ironique.
    He says he does not need anyone. Good for him, she replied ironically.

Similar words

heureusement
c'est une bonne chose
c'est très bien
à la bonne heure

Etymology

A transparent combination of tant, here adding degree, and mieux, 'better'. Together they present the stated outcome as all the better, which developed naturally into a standalone expression of satisfaction.

FAQ

What does tant mieux mean?

Tant mieux expresses satisfaction or relief and can mean 'great', 'good', or 'so much the better'.

How do you use tant mieux?

Use tant mieux alone as a response or before si and pour: tant mieux si..., tant mieux pour lui.

What does tant mieux pour toi mean?

Tant mieux pour toi usually means 'good for you' or 'that's great for you'.

Can tant mieux sound ironic?

Yes. A cold or exaggerated tone can make tant mieux sound dismissive or sarcastic.

What is the opposite of tant mieux?

The direct opposite is tant pis, used for regret, resignation, or indifference when something goes badly.

How is tant mieux pronounced?

Tant mieux is pronounced /tɑ̃ mjø/.

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