Meaning
Used to express disapproval of a suggestion.
Cultural Background
The French often start a disagreement with 'Oui, mais...' (Yes, but...) followed by 'Ce n'est pas une bonne idée'. This is a rhetorical dance to show they've heard you before they disagree. In Quebec, you might hear 'C'est pas une gosse d'idée' (slang) or simply the standard French version. The 'ne' is dropped even more frequently than in France. In French corporate culture, saying 'Ce n'est pas une bonne idée' is seen as being 'constructive' rather than 'negative'. It invites the other person to defend their logic.
The 'Ne' Drop
If you want to sound like a local, always say 'C'est pas' instead of 'Ce n'est pas'.
Gender Matters
Never say 'un bon idée'. It's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.
Meaning
Used to express disapproval of a suggestion.
The 'Ne' Drop
If you want to sound like a local, always say 'C'est pas' instead of 'Ce n'est pas'.
Gender Matters
Never say 'un bon idée'. It's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct feminine form of the phrase.
___ n'est pas une ___ idée.
We use 'Ce' for ideas and 'bonne' because 'idée' is feminine.
Complete the informal version of the phrase.
C'est ___ une bonne idée.
In informal French, the 'ne' is dropped, leaving just 'pas'.
Match the response to the suggestion.
Suggestion: 'On nage dans la rivière la nuit ?'
Swimming in a river at night is dangerous, making it a bad idea.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu veux acheter cette voiture chère ? B: Non, ___.
The context of 'Non' implies a negative response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Ce n'est pas une bonne idée'
Safety
- • Dangerous stunts
- • Risky health choices
Social
- • Calling an ex
- • Telling a secret
Logic
- • Bad investments
- • Poor planning
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ n'est pas une ___ idée.
We use 'Ce' for ideas and 'bonne' because 'idée' is feminine.
C'est ___ une bonne idée.
In informal French, the 'ne' is dropped, leaving just 'pas'.
Suggestion: 'On nage dans la rivière la nuit ?'
Swimming in a river at night is dangerous, making it a bad idea.
A: Tu veux acheter cette voiture chère ? B: Non, ___.
The context of 'Non' implies a negative response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, as long as you use a polite tone and perhaps add 'Je pense que...' at the beginning.
Yes, 'C'est une mauvaise idée' is perfectly correct but slightly more blunt.
In French, 'Ce' is used to identify things or ideas. 'Il' is for specific masculine nouns or people.
Related Phrases
C'est une mauvaise idée
similarIt's a bad idea
Je ne suis pas d'accord
similarI don't agree
Laisse tomber
builds onDrop it / Forget about it
