Signification
To be a very kind, gentle, and good-hearted person.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, bread is served with every meal. It is almost disrespectful to have a table without bread. This makes the idiom feel very 'close to home' and sincere. While used, Mexicans often prefer 'Ser un pan de Dios'. The addition of 'de Dios' emphasizes the religious roots of the metaphor. In Argentina, 'bueno' can sometimes be replaced by 'buenazo' to intensify it, but the bread metaphor remains a staple of the 'porteño' vocabulary. The phrase is universally understood across all 21 Spanish-speaking countries, making it one of the safest idioms for a traveler to use.
Use it for 'Green Flags'
If you are describing someone you really trust, this is the perfect idiom to use.
Watch the Verb!
Never use 'estar' unless you want to comment on someone's looks in a very informal (and sometimes inappropriate) way.
Signification
To be a very kind, gentle, and good-hearted person.
Use it for 'Green Flags'
If you are describing someone you really trust, this is the perfect idiom to use.
Watch the Verb!
Never use 'estar' unless you want to comment on someone's looks in a very informal (and sometimes inappropriate) way.
The 'Trozo' Alternative
If you want to sound even more like a local in Madrid, try 'Es un trozo de pan'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Mi hermana siempre me ayuda con la tarea; ella es más ______ que el pan.
Since 'hermana' is feminine, the adjective must be 'buena'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone is very kind?
How would you describe a very kind grandfather?
Option B uses 'ser' and 'bueno' correctly. Option C implies he is physically attractive, which is inappropriate.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Qué te parece el nuevo profesor? B: Me encanta. Explica muy bien y además es ______.
The idiom is 'más bueno que el pan'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Someone who is so kind they never say 'no' and get taken advantage of.
Both 'ser un trozo de pan' and 'ser más bueno que el pan' are used for this situation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMi hermana siempre me ayuda con la tarea; ella es más ______ que el pan.
Since 'hermana' is feminine, the adjective must be 'buena'.
How would you describe a very kind grandfather?
Option B uses 'ser' and 'bueno' correctly. Option C implies he is physically attractive, which is inappropriate.
A: ¿Qué te parece el nuevo profesor? B: Me encanta. Explica muy bien y además es ______.
The idiom is 'más bueno que el pan'.
Someone who is so kind they never say 'no' and get taken advantage of.
Both 'ser un trozo de pan' and 'ser más bueno que el pan' are used for this situation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! It is very common to say 'Mi perro es más bueno que el pan' if the dog is very gentle and well-behaved.
It's a bit informal. It's better to say 'Soy una persona colaborativa' or 'Tengo facilidad para trabajar en equipo'.
Not necessarily. It only refers to their kindness and moral character. They could be smart or not.
You could say 'Es más malo que la quina' or 'Es mala persona', but there isn't a direct 'bread' opposite.
No, it changes to 'buena' for women and 'buenos/as' for groups.
Because bread is seen as essential, wholesome, and life-giving in Spanish culture.
In some regions, yes, but 'pan' is the most universal and common version.
Not at all. People of all ages use it every day in Spain and Latin America.
Yes, if someone is being annoying, you might say '¡Uy, sí, es más bueno que el pan!' with a sarcastic tone.
In Spain 'más bueno que el pan' is king; in Mexico 'un pan de Dios' is very popular, but both are understood.
Expressions liées
Ser un trozo de pan
synonymTo be a piece of bread.
Ser un pan de Dios
similarTo be a bread of God.
Tener un corazón de oro
synonymTo have a heart of gold.
Ser un pedazo de pan
synonymTo be a piece of bread.
