Meaning
To start the day in a good mood.
Cultural Background
In France, the 'right' side is traditionally the side of honor and luck. This is reflected in many idioms, not just this one. While the phrase is used in Quebec, you might also hear more anglicized versions due to the proximity to English-speaking culture, but 'bon pied' remains the standard. The fear of the 'left' (sinister) is a common thread in many French-speaking countries, influencing everything from table manners to these idioms.
Use it as a compliment
If someone is very helpful in the morning, say 'Tu t'es levé du bon pied toi !' with a smile.
Watch the gender
In the past tense, remember to add an 'e' to 'levé' if the subject is female: 'Elle s'est levée'.
Meaning
To start the day in a good mood.
Use it as a compliment
If someone is very helpful in the morning, say 'Tu t'es levé du bon pied toi !' with a smile.
Watch the gender
In the past tense, remember to add an 'e' to 'levé' if the subject is female: 'Elle s'est levée'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct reflexive pronoun.
Ce matin, je ___ suis levé du bon pied.
The subject is 'je', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'me'.
Which phrase means the opposite of 'se lever du bon pied'?
L'opposé est...
'Mauvais' (bad) is the direct opposite of 'bon' (good).
Choose the best response for Marc.
Léa: 'Pourquoi tu souris ?' Marc: 'Parce que...'
Smiling indicates a good mood, which matches the idiom.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You wake up, the sun is shining, and you feel great.
This is the perfect context for this idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Foot vs Side
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCe matin, je ___ suis levé du bon pied.
The subject is 'je', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'me'.
L'opposé est...
'Mauvais' (bad) is the direct opposite of 'bon' (good).
Léa: 'Pourquoi tu souris ?' Marc: 'Parce que...'
Smiling indicates a good mood, which matches the idiom.
You wake up, the sun is shining, and you feel great.
This is the perfect context for this idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsUsually no. It specifically refers to the act of getting out of bed in the morning.
It is always 'du bon pied' (de + le). Using 'un' would be grammatically incorrect in this idiom.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
In the idiom, the 'left' foot is the 'mauvais pied' (bad foot).
No, 'pied' is always singular in this phrase.
People will understand you, but it's not the standard idiom anymore.
Related Phrases
Partir du bon pied
similarTo start a project or relationship well.
Être de bonne humeur
synonymTo be in a good mood.
Avoir la pêche
builds onTo have a lot of energy.
