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être en bonne condition physique

B1 noun 12 min read

être en bonne condition physique

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips être en bonne condition physique in 30 Seconds

Explanation être en bonne condition physique in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to describe people and health. 'Être en bonne condition physique' might be a bit long, but you can understand it by breaking it down. 'Être' is 'to be', 'bonne' is 'good', and 'physique' looks like 'physical'. At this stage, you mostly use 'Je suis en forme' (I am in shape) or 'Je suis en bonne santé' (I am in good health). You should learn that 'condition' is a feminine word, so we use 'bonne' (with an extra 'ne'). You might use this phrase to talk about your hobbies, like 'Je fais du sport pour être en bonne condition'. It is a useful phrase for introducing yourself and your lifestyle. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the verb 'être' in the present tense: 'Je suis', 'Tu es', 'Il est'. If you can say 'Je suis en bonne condition physique', you will sound very advanced for a beginner! Remember that 'en' is the word for 'in' here. Don't say 'dans'. Simple sentences like 'Il est en bonne condition' are perfect for A1. You can also use it to describe athletes you see on TV. For example, 'Le footballeur est en bonne condition physique'. This helps you build your vocabulary for describing people and their abilities. In French schools, kids learn this early because sport is important. So, even as a beginner, knowing this phrase helps you talk about a very common topic in France: health and activity.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'être en bonne condition physique' to describe your habits and requirements for activities. You know more adjectives, so you can say 'Je veux être en meilleure condition physique' (I want to be in better physical condition). You understand that 'condition' is feminine, and you can correctly conjugate 'être' for different people. You might use this phrase when talking about sports you like to do. For example, 'Pour faire de la randonnée en montagne, il faut être en bonne condition physique'. This level is about connecting ideas. You can say 'Je mange bien et je fais du sport parce que je veux être en bonne condition physique'. You also start to recognize the difference between 'être en forme' (feeling good) and 'être en bonne condition physique' (having the physical ability). You might hear this phrase in a gym or when a friend invites you to do something difficult. You can also use the negative: 'Je ne suis pas en bonne condition physique parce que je ne fais pas de sport'. This is a great way to talk about your personal goals during a conversation. You should also be able to ask questions: 'Es-tu en bonne condition physique ?' or 'Est-ce qu'il est en bonne condition physique ?'. Using this phrase shows that you are moving beyond the most basic words and starting to use more descriptive, adult language. It is also common in A2 reading texts about health and lifestyle, so being familiar with it will help your comprehension.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'être en bonne condition physique' in both spoken and written French. This is the level where you start to express opinions and give advice. You might tell a friend, 'Tu devrais faire plus d'exercice pour être en meilleure condition physique'. You understand that this phrase is more formal than 'être en forme' and use it appropriately. For example, in a job interview for a physical role, you would say 'Je suis en excellente condition physique' to sound more professional. You also begin to use different tenses. 'J'étais en bonne condition physique l'année dernière, mais j'ai arrêté le sport'. You can also use the conditional: 'Si je m'entraînais plus, je serais en meilleure condition physique'. At B1, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'en'. You know that it describes a state. You also start to see how this phrase appears in news articles or health blogs. You can discuss the benefits of a healthy lifestyle using this phrase as a key point. For instance, 'Il est prouvé qu'être en bonne condition physique réduit le stress'. You can also use adverbs to be more precise: 'Il est relativement en bonne condition physique'. This level requires you to move from simple descriptions to more complex discussions about health, and this phrase is a vital tool for that. You should also be able to compare people's fitness levels using 'mieux' or 'meilleure condition', noticing that 'meilleure' agrees with 'condition'. It is a versatile phrase that fits perfectly into the B1 goal of managing everyday situations and expressing thoughts on familiar topics.

At the B2 level, you use 'être en bonne condition physique' with precision and can discuss the concept in detail. You understand that 'condition physique' is a specific attribute that can be measured, trained, and lost. You might use it in a debate about the importance of sport in schools or the health of the nation. For example, 'Le gouvernement devrait encourager les citoyens à être en meilleure condition physique pour diminuer les coûts de santé'. You are comfortable with complex sentence structures, such as using the subjunctive: 'Il est essentiel que chaque athlète soit en parfaite condition physique avant le match'. You also recognize the phrase in professional contexts, such as sports science or medicine. You can distinguish between 'la condition physique' (the state) and 'la préparation physique' (the process of getting fit). At this level, you can also use the phrase metaphorically or in more abstract discussions about endurance and resilience. You might encounter it in literature or high-level journalism where the physical state of a character or public figure is analyzed. You can also use related terms like 'le maintien de la condition physique' (maintaining physical condition). Your vocabulary is broad enough to replace 'bonne' with more specific adjectives like 'optimale', 'précaire', or 'déclinante'. You understand the cultural importance of fitness in France and can discuss it fluently. Using this phrase correctly in a B2 exam, like the DELF B2, shows a high level of lexical control and an understanding of appropriate register. You can also explain the requirements for various professions, noting that 'être en bonne condition physique' is often a non-negotiable prerequisite.

At the C1 level, 'être en bonne condition physique' is a phrase you use with total fluency, and you are aware of its various stylistic implications. You can analyze the phrase's role in different discourses, such as the medicalization of fitness or the commercialization of the 'wellness' industry. You might write an essay exploring how 'être en bonne condition physique' has become a social imperative in the 21st century. Your use of the phrase is nuanced; you might say, 'Bien qu'il soit en bonne condition physique apparente, ses résultats physiologiques suggèrent une fatigue chronique'. You can use the phrase in complex grammatical constructions, such as within relative clauses or as part of a sophisticated argument. 'La nécessité d'être en bonne condition physique, bien que souvent soulignée par les médias, ne doit pas occulter l'importance de la santé mentale'. You also understand the historical etymology of the words and how 'condition' has evolved from a legal or social status to a physical one. You can use synonyms like 'aptitude' or 'vigueur' to avoid repetition while maintaining a high level of sophistication. In professional settings, you might use this phrase when discussing ergonomics or workplace health policies. You are also sensitive to the register; you know when to use this formal phrase and when a more idiomatic expression like 'être au sommet de sa forme' would be more impactful. At C1, you don't just use the phrase; you command it, using it to build persuasive arguments and detailed descriptions that reflect a deep understanding of the French language and culture.

At the C2 level, 'être en bonne condition physique' is a basic building block that you can manipulate for rhetorical effect. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the duality of mind and body, perhaps referencing the Cartesian tradition in French thought. You can critique the phrase itself, discussing how the notion of 'bonne condition' is a social construct that varies across cultures and eras. Your mastery allows you to use the phrase in any tense, including the most obscure literary tenses like the 'passé simple' or 'subjonctif imparfait' if writing a novel. 'Il importait qu'il fût en bonne condition physique pour affronter les épreuves qui l'attendaient'. You can engage in professional-level debates on sports physiology or public health policy, using the phrase as a precise technical term. You understand all the idiomatic offshoots and can play with them creatively. You might use the phrase in a satirical way to describe someone who is overly obsessed with their appearance. Your comprehension is total; you can hear this phrase in a muffled announcement or read it in a 19th-century medical treatise and understand its exact weight. At this level, the phrase is part of a massive, interconnected web of vocabulary. You can effortlessly switch between 'être en bonne condition physique' and highly specialized terms like 'homéostasie' or 'capacité aérobie' depending on your audience. You have reached a point where the language is no longer a tool you are learning to use, but an instrument you play with virtuosity, and this phrase is just one note in your extensive repertoire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

être en bonne condition physique in 30 Seconds

A formal way to say 'to be fit', focusing on long-term health and athletic capability.
Uses the feminine adjective 'bonne' because 'condition' is a feminine noun in French.
Common in sports, medical contexts, and professional certifications in French-speaking countries.
Implies a combination of strength, endurance, and overall physiological well-being.

The expression être en bonne condition physique is a comprehensive French verbal phrase that translates to being in good physical shape or having a high level of fitness. Unlike simpler terms like 'être en forme', which might just mean feeling energetic on a particular morning, 'condition physique' implies a sustained state of health, strength, and endurance often achieved through regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle. In the French linguistic landscape, this phrase bridges the gap between everyday casual conversation and professional athletic or medical terminology. When a French person says someone is 'en bonne condition physique', they are acknowledging a visible or proven level of stamina. This phrase is ubiquitous in sports clubs, medical consultations, and workplace safety briefings.

Literal Breakdown: The verb 'être' (to be) provides the state of existence, 'en' acts as the preposition of state, 'bonne' is the feminine adjective for good, 'condition' is the noun representing state or status, and 'physique' specifies the bodily aspect of that state.

Pour réussir ce marathon, il est impératif d' être en bonne condition physique et de s'entraîner pendant plusieurs mois.

In modern France, the obsession with 'le bien-être' (well-being) has elevated this phrase from a niche athletic term to a general social goal. It is used to describe the elderly who remain active, the young who participate in competitive sports, and the average worker trying to avoid the sedentary traps of office life. Historically, the term gained prominence as physical education became a standardized part of the French school curriculum under the Third Republic, emphasizing that a healthy body was essential for a healthy mind—'un esprit sain dans un corps sain'. Culturally, the French value a balanced approach to fitness; it is less about 'bulking up' and more about 'la souplesse' (flexibility) and 'l'endurance' (stamina). Thus, being in good physical condition often implies a lean, functional body rather than a bodybuilder's physique.

Register and Nuance: This phrase is neutral to formal. You will find it in newspapers like 'L'Équipe' or 'Le Monde' when discussing public health or professional athletes. In a very casual setting, people might shorten their thoughts to 'il est costaud' or 'elle a la pêche', but 'bonne condition physique' remains the standard for clarity.

Le médecin a confirmé que Jean-Pierre est en excellente condition physique malgré son âge avancé.

Furthermore, the phrase is often used in recruitment, particularly for roles like 'pompier' (firefighter) or 'militaire', where physical standards are strictly measured. In these contexts, the phrase isn't just a compliment; it's a requirement.

Social Context: In social circles, asking if someone is in good condition can be a way of suggesting a challenging activity, like a hike in the Alps or a long bike ride through the vineyards of Bordeaux.

Si tu veux m'accompagner au sommet du Mont Blanc, tu dois être en parfaite condition physique.

Ultimately, the phrase reflects a holistic view of the human body as a machine that requires maintenance, discipline, and respect. It is a fundamental part of the French vocabulary for anyone interested in sports, health, or lifestyle.

Using être en bonne condition physique correctly requires attention to the conjugation of the verb 'être' and the placement of intensifying adverbs. Since 'condition' is a feminine noun in French, the adjective 'bonne' must always be in its feminine form. Even if you are talking about a man, you say 'Il est en bonne condition', because 'bonne' modifies 'condition', not the subject 'Il'. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers.

Grammar Tip: The phrase is invariable regarding the subject's gender. 'Elle est en bonne condition' and 'Ils sont en bonne condition' both use 'bonne condition' because the noun 'condition' is feminine singular.

Malgré ses soixante ans, Marc est en meilleure condition physique que beaucoup de jeunes de vingt ans.

You can modify the phrase to indicate different levels of fitness. For example, using 'excellente', 'parfaite', 'médiocre', or 'mauvaise' instead of 'bonne'. This allows for a wide range of expression. If you want to say someone is getting into shape, you would change the verb 'être' to 'se remettre' or 'revenir'. For instance, 'Il se remet en condition physique' (He is getting back into physical shape).

Intensifiers: Adverbs like 'vraiment', 'extrêmement', or 'incroyablement' can be placed before the entire phrase or before 'bonne'. Example: 'Il est vraiment en bonne condition'.

Pour devenir pompier de Paris, il faut être en condition physique exceptionnelle.

In negative sentences, the 'ne...pas' wraps around the conjugated form of 'être'. 'Je ne suis pas en bonne condition physique en ce moment car je suis malade.' This structure is vital for expressing health setbacks. You might also encounter the phrase in the future tense when setting goals: 'Je serai en bonne condition physique pour les vacances d'été.'

Comparison: When comparing two people, use 'plus... que'. 'Marie est plus en bonne condition physique que son frère.' However, stylistically, it is often better to say 'Marie a une meilleure condition physique que son frère.'

Il est nécessaire d' être en bonne condition physique pour supporter l'altitude des montagnes.

Finally, consider the use of 'rester' (to stay) instead of 'être'. 'Il fait du yoga pour rester en bonne condition physique.' This emphasizes the maintenance of fitness over time. This variety in verbs (être, rester, se remettre, maintenir) allows the speaker to describe the entire lifecycle of physical fitness from attainment to maintenance and recovery.

You will encounter être en bonne condition physique in various spheres of French life, ranging from the highly technical to the broadly cultural. One of the most common places is in the media, specifically during sports broadcasts like the Tour de France or Roland-Garros. Commentators will meticulously analyze whether a player is 'en pleine condition' or 'manque de condition physique' following a break. This phrase is the benchmark for professional capability.

Media and Journalism: Sports newspapers like 'L'Équipe' use this phrase to describe the 'état de forme' of athletes. It is a more formal and precise way of discussing fitness than colloquial slang.

À la radio, l'expert a expliqué que l'équipe nationale doit être en bonne condition physique pour le tournoi.

Another major venue for this phrase is the medical and wellness industry. In French 'cabinets médicaux' (doctor's offices), a GP might use this phrase when discussing a patient's health check-up results. They might say, 'Vous êtes en bonne condition physique pour votre âge,' which is a standard way of delivering positive health news. Similarly, in 'salles de sport' (gyms), personal trainers (coachs sportifs) use the phrase to set benchmarks for their clients. They might design a 'programme pour être en bonne condition physique'.

Corporate and Professional: In the context of 'Médecine du Travail' (Occupational Medicine), which is mandatory in France, doctors assess if employees are in sufficient physical condition to perform their specific tasks without risk.

L'annonce précise qu'il faut être en bonne condition physique pour postuler à ce poste de manutentionnaire.

In educational settings, specifically during 'EPS' (Éducation Physique et Sportive), teachers evaluate students based on their 'condition physique'. It is a formal part of the grading criteria for the 'Baccalauréat' in some instances. You will also hear it in documentaries about nature and survival, where the narrator emphasizes the need for the subjects to be in peak condition to survive harsh environments.

Lifestyle and Podcasts: French health podcasts and YouTube channels focused on 'musculation' (bodybuilding) or 'course à pied' (running) frequently use this phrase when discussing training plateaus or recovery.

Dans son podcast, elle donne des conseils pour être en bonne condition physique après quarante ans.

Finally, in the world of insurance (assurances), specifically life or health insurance, you might see this phrase in questionnaires (questionnaires de santé) where you must declare your physical state. It is a term that carries legal and financial weight in these documents.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using être en bonne condition physique is the misuse of the preposition. In English, we say 'to be *in* good shape'. While 'en' translates to 'in', many learners instinctively try to use 'dans', leading to 'être dans une bonne condition physique'. While not entirely incomprehensible, it sounds unnatural and is grammatically frowned upon in this specific context. 'En' is used here to describe a state of being, much like 'en colère' (angry) or 'en vacances' (on holiday).

Preposition Error: Avoid 'dans une bonne condition'. Always use 'en bonne condition'. This is a fixed idiomatic structure for health states.

Faux: Il est dans une bonne condition. Vrai: Il est en bonne condition physique.

Another common mistake is gender agreement. As mentioned previously, 'condition' is a feminine noun. Beginners often mistakenly say 'en bon condition' if they are referring to a male subject. It is crucial to remember that the adjective 'bonne' agrees with the noun 'condition', not the person being described. This is a fundamental rule of French grammar that often trips up those who translate directly from English, where adjectives don't have gender.

Confusion with 'Forme': Many learners use 'être en bonne forme'. While 'être en forme' is correct, adding 'bonne' is redundant in French. You are either 'en forme' or you are not. If you want to emphasize it, say 'en pleine forme'.

Incorrect: Je suis en bonne forme. Correct: Je suis en pleine forme ou je suis en bonne condition physique.

Furthermore, avoid using 'être en bonne santé' as a direct synonym in all cases. 'Santé' refers to the absence of illness, while 'condition physique' refers to athletic ability and fitness levels. A person can be in good health (no disease) but in poor physical condition (cannot run a mile). Confusing these two can lead to misunderstandings in medical or athletic contexts.

Word Order: In French, 'physique' almost always follows 'condition'. Saying 'physique condition' is an English-influenced error. Adjectives of nationality, color, and specific category (like physical vs. mental) usually follow the noun.

Erreur: Ma physique condition est bonne. Correction: Je suis en bonne condition physique.

Lastly, ensure you conjugate 'être' correctly for plural subjects. 'Ils sont en bonne condition'—the 's' on 'sont' is mandatory. Some learners forget to change the verb when moving from 'il' to 'ils', which is a basic but frequent mistake in spoken French.

While être en bonne condition physique is a standard and widely understood phrase, French offers a rich tapestry of alternatives depending on the register and the specific nuance you wish to convey. The most common alternative is être en forme. This is the 'go-to' phrase for everyday conversation. It is shorter, punchier, and covers everything from feeling energetic to being generally fit. If you want to express that someone is in *peak* condition, you would say être en pleine forme or péter le feu (slang, literally 'to fart fire', meaning to have tons of energy).

Register Comparison: Formal: Être en excellente condition physique. Neutral: Être en forme. Informal: Avoir la patate / Avoir la pêche.

Après ses vacances, elle avait la pêche et était prête à reprendre le travail.

Another professional alternative is être affûté(e). This term is borrowed from the world of tools (meaning 'sharpened') and is used specifically for athletes who have reached their goal weight and peak muscle definition. It implies a body that is 'ready for battle'. If you are talking about someone who is naturally strong or well-built, you might use être bien bâti or être costaud. These focus more on the frame of the person rather than their cardiovascular 'condition'.

Health vs. Fitness: Être en bonne santé: To be healthy (no illness). Être vigoureux: To be vigorous/strong. Être endurant: To have high endurance.

Le cycliste semblait très affûté au départ de la course.

For a more literary or old-fashioned feel, one might use être gaillard, which implies a robust, hearty health, often used for older men who remain strong. In contrast, the modern term être fit has been imported from English and is used frequently by the younger generation and on social media, though many linguistic purists prefer the French alternatives.

Medical Alternatives: Aptitude physique: Physical fitness (technical). État physiologique satisfaisant: Satisfactory physiological state (formal medical).

Il a reçu un certificat d' aptitude physique pour pratiquer la plongée sous-marine.

In summary, while 'être en bonne condition physique' is the most accurate and versatile term for 'being fit', choosing between 'forme', 'affûté', 'costaud', or 'gaillard' allows you to tailor your description to the specific type of fitness or the social situation you are in.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'condition' was once used mostly in legal contexts. Its use in 'condition physique' mirrors the rise of scientific medicine and physical education in the 1800s.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛtʁ ɑ̃ bɔn kɔ̃.di.sjɔ̃ fi.zik/

US /ɛtʁ ɑ̃ bɔn kɔ̃.di.sjɔ̃ fi.zik/

In French, stress is generally even, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable of the phrase: 'physique'.

Rhymes With

physique / mythique physique / critique physique / boutique physique / élastique physique / magique physique / pratique physique / héroïque physique / authentique

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' in 'en' too hard before 'bonne'.
Failing to make the 'on' in 'condition' nasal.
Pronouncing the 'e' at the end of 'physique' (it should be silent, but the 'k' sound is sharp).
Using an English 'r' in 'être' instead of the French back-of-the-throat 'r'.
Pronouncing 'bonne' like 'bone' (English) instead of 'bun' (but shorter).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The words are cognates (condition, physique), making it easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine agreement 'bonne' and the preposition 'en'.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal vowel in 'condition' and the uvular 'r' in 'être' require practice.

Listening 2/5

The phrase is long and distinct, making it relatively easy to catch in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

être bon / bonne le corps le sport en

Learn Next

l'endurance la musculation s'entraîner la santé l'hygiène de vie

Advanced

le métabolisme la capacité cardiorespiratoire l'homéostasie la tonicité musculaire le surentraînement

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

La condition est bonne (feminine).

Preposition 'En'

En bonne santé, en forme, en condition.

Conjugation of 'Être'

Je suis, tu es, il est, nous sommes, vous êtes, ils sont.

Placement of Adverbs

Il est *vraiment* en bonne condition.

Negative 'Ne...Pas'

Je *ne* suis *pas* en bonne condition.

Examples by Level

Je suis en bonne condition physique.

I am in good physical condition.

Simple present tense of 'être'.

Tu es en bonne condition physique ?

Are you in good physical condition?

Question using intonation.

Il n'est pas en bonne condition physique.

He is not in good physical condition.

Negative structure with 'ne...pas'.

Elle est en bonne condition.

She is in good condition.

Shortened version of the phrase.

Nous sommes en bonne condition physique.

We are in good physical condition.

Plural form of 'être'.

Le sport est bon pour la condition physique.

Sport is good for physical condition.

'La' is used here as a general noun.

Mon père est en bonne condition physique.

My father is in good physical condition.

Subject is 'mon père' (he).

Ils sont en bonne condition physique.

They are in good physical condition.

Third person plural.

Je fais du vélo pour être en bonne condition physique.

I ride a bike to be in good physical condition.

'Pour' followed by the infinitive 'être'.

Est-ce que vous êtes en bonne condition physique pour courir ?

Are you in good physical condition to run?

Using 'Est-ce que' for a formal question.

Il veut être en meilleure condition physique.

He wants to be in better physical condition.

Comparative 'meilleure' modifying 'condition'.

Elle n'était pas en bonne condition physique hier.

She was not in good physical condition yesterday.

Imperfect tense 'était' for past state.

C'est important d'être en bonne condition physique.

It's important to be in good physical condition.

'C'est important de' + infinitive.

Mes amis sont toujours en bonne condition physique.

My friends are always in good physical condition.

Adverb 'toujours' placement.

On doit être en bonne condition physique pour ce travail.

One must be in good physical condition for this job.

Modal verb 'doit' + infinitive.

Elle reste en bonne condition physique grâce au yoga.

She stays in good physical condition thanks to yoga.

Using 'rester' instead of 'être'.

Si tu t'entraînes tous les jours, tu seras en bonne condition physique.

If you train every day, you will be in good physical condition.

Future tense 'seras' in a 'si' clause.

Bien qu'il soit âgé, il est en excellente condition physique.

Although he is old, he is in excellent physical condition.

Conjunction 'Bien que' + subjunctive.

Il est nécessaire d'être en bonne condition physique pour le marathon.

It is necessary to be in good physical condition for the marathon.

Impersonal expression 'Il est nécessaire de'.

Elle a réussi le test car elle était en bonne condition physique.

She passed the test because she was in good physical condition.

Cause indicated by 'car'.

Maintenir une bonne condition physique demande de la discipline.

Maintaining a good physical condition requires discipline.

Infinitive as a subject.

Je ne pense pas qu'il soit en bonne condition physique en ce moment.

I don't think he is in good physical condition right now.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'Je ne pense pas que'.

Il s'inquiète pour sa condition physique après sa blessure.

He is worried about his physical condition after his injury.

Possessive adjective 'sa'.

Vous devriez être en bonne condition physique avant de partir en trek.

You should be in good physical condition before going on a trek.

Conditional 'devriez' for advice.

L'athlète a retrouvé sa meilleure condition physique juste avant les JO.

The athlete regained his best physical condition just before the Olympics.

Compound past 'a retrouvé'.

Il est primordial que les pompiers soient en parfaite condition physique.

It is paramount that firefighters be in perfect physical condition.

Subjunctive plural 'soient'.

Sa condition physique déclinante l'a forcé à prendre sa retraite.

His declining physical condition forced him to retire.

Present participle as adjective 'déclinante'.

On évalue la condition physique des recrues par une série de tests.

The recruits' physical condition is evaluated through a series of tests.

Passive meaning with 'on'.

Il ne suffit pas d'être en bonne condition physique, il faut aussi du mental.

It's not enough to be in good physical condition; you also need mental strength.

Negative 'Il ne suffit pas de'.

Malgré un manque d'entraînement, il reste en bonne condition physique.

Despite a lack of training, he remains in good physical condition.

Preposition 'Malgré' + noun.

La sédentarité nuit gravement à la condition physique générale.

Sedentary lifestyle seriously harms general physical condition.

Verb 'nuire' + 'à'.

Elle a été félicitée pour être restée en si bonne condition physique.

She was congratulated for staying in such good physical condition.

Past infinitive 'être restée'.

L'exigence d'être en bonne condition physique est au cœur de ce métier.

The requirement to be in good physical condition is at the heart of this profession.

Abstract noun 'exigence'.

On ne saurait être en bonne condition physique sans une nutrition adaptée.

One cannot be in good physical condition without adapted nutrition.

Formal 'ne saurait' for impossibility.

Il s'agit de déterminer si le patient est en condition physique de subir l'opération.

It is a matter of determining if the patient is in physical condition to undergo the surgery.

'Il s'agit de' + infinitive.

Le maintien d'une bonne condition physique s'avère crucial pour les seniors.

Maintaining a good physical condition proves to be crucial for seniors.

Pronominal verb 's'avérer'.

Son obstination à rester en bonne condition physique frise l'obsession.

His stubbornness in staying in good physical condition borders on obsession.

Verb 'friser' (to border on).

Nul ne peut prétendre être en bonne condition physique sans un sommeil réparateur.

No one can claim to be in good physical condition without restorative sleep.

Negative pronoun 'Nul'.

La condition physique, bien que primordiale, n'est qu'un aspect de la santé globale.

Physical condition, although paramount, is only one aspect of overall health.

Restrictive 'ne...que'.

Il importe que vous soyez en bonne condition physique pour relever ce défi.

It is important that you be in good physical condition to take on this challenge.

Formal 'Il importe que' + subjunctive.

L'idéal platonicien d'être en bonne condition physique transcendait la simple esthétique.

The Platonic ideal of being in good physical condition transcended simple aesthetics.

Historical past 'transcendait'.

Fût-il en bonne condition physique, il ne pourrait supporter un tel climat.

Even were he in good physical condition, he could not withstand such a climate.

Inverted imperfect subjunctive for hypothetical.

L'étiolement de sa condition physique fut le prélude à son déclin intellectuel.

The withering of his physical condition was the prelude to his intellectual decline.

Literary 'passé simple' 'fut'.

Cette étude remet en question l'impératif biologique d'être en bonne condition physique constante.

This study questions the biological imperative of being in constant good physical condition.

Complex noun phrase 'impératif biologique'.

Il se targuait d'être en meilleure condition physique que ses subordonnés.

He boasted of being in better physical condition than his subordinates.

Pronominal 'se targuer de'.

La condition physique est ici appréhendée comme un capital à faire fructifier.

Physical condition is here understood as capital to be nurtured.

Passive voice 'est appréhendée'.

L'athlète, en dépit d'une condition physique précaire, parvint à s'imposer.

The athlete, despite a precarious physical condition, managed to prevail.

Prepositional phrase 'en dépit de'.

L'osmose entre être en bonne condition physique et équilibre psychique est indéniable.

The osmosis between being in good physical condition and psychological balance is undeniable.

Abstract noun 'osmose'.

Synonyms

être en forme être en pleine forme être affûté avoir la pêche être d'attaque être vigoureux être costaud être athlétique

Antonyms

être en mauvaise condition physique être hors de forme être sédentaire être chétif

Common Collocations

maintenir une bonne condition physique

retrouver sa condition physique

améliorer sa condition physique

évaluer la condition physique

excellente condition physique

manquer de condition physique

test de condition physique

condition physique optimale

préserver sa condition physique

condition physique de base

Common Phrases

être au top de sa condition physique

— To be at the absolute peak of one's fitness.

Il est au top de sa condition physique pour la finale.

travailler sa condition physique

— To exercise specifically to improve fitness levels.

Je vais à la salle pour travailler ma condition physique.

perdre sa condition physique

— To become unfit, usually due to lack of exercise.

On perd vite sa condition physique sans entraînement.

une condition physique irréprochable

— A flawless or perfect physical state.

Il affiche une condition physique irréprochable.

revenir en condition physique

— To get back into shape after a break.

Il lui faudra du temps pour revenir en condition physique.

avoir une bonne condition physique

— To possess a good level of fitness (uses 'avoir' instead of 'être en').

Elle a une excellente condition physique.

pour sa condition physique

— For the sake of one's fitness.

Il court tous les matins pour sa condition physique.

exiger une bonne condition physique

— To require a high fitness level (for a job or task).

Ce métier exige une bonne condition physique.

une baisse de condition physique

— A drop in fitness levels.

Il a ressenti une baisse de condition physique cet hiver.

entretien de la condition physique

— Maintenance of one's fitness.

L'entretien de la condition physique est vital pour les seniors.

Often Confused With

être en bonne condition physique vs être en bonne santé

Health (absence of disease) vs. Fitness (physical ability).

être en bonne condition physique vs être en forme

'En forme' is more general and casual; 'condition physique' is more technical.

être en bonne condition physique vs être bien bâti

Refers to body structure (muscles/frame) rather than cardiovascular fitness.

Idioms & Expressions

"avoir la frite"

— To feel full of energy and in great shape.

Ce matin, j'ai vraiment la frite !

Informal

"être pimpant"

— To look healthy, energetic, and well-groomed.

Il est tout pimpant après sa séance de sport.

Neutral

"avoir du ressort"

— To have resilience and physical energy.

À 80 ans, elle a encore beaucoup de ressort.

Literary

"être frais comme un gardon"

— To be fresh as a daisy (rested and healthy).

Après une bonne nuit, il est frais comme un gardon.

Informal

"avoir un cœur de lion"

— To have great physical and mental courage/stamina.

Le boxeur a montré qu'il avait un cœur de lion.

Literary

"être solide comme un roc"

— To be incredibly strong and fit.

Ce défenseur est solide comme un roc.

Neutral

"péter la forme"

— To be in spectacular shape (very energetic).

Depuis qu'elle court, elle pète la forme.

Informal

"avoir une santé de fer"

— To have an iron constitution (never gets sick).

Mon grand-père a une santé de fer.

Neutral

"être bon pied bon œil"

— To be alert and in good health (usually for older people).

Il est toujours bon pied bon œil malgré son âge.

Neutral

"reprendre du poil de la bête"

— To get one's strength back after an illness or setback.

Il commence enfin à reprendre du poil de la bête.

Informal

Easily Confused

être en bonne condition physique vs la condition

Can mean a legal requirement or a state of being.

In 'condition physique', it specifically refers to the biological state of the body.

C'est une condition du contrat vs. Sa condition physique.

être en bonne condition physique vs physique

Can be a noun (appearance) or an adjective (physical).

As a noun, 'le physique' is how you look. As an adjective, it's about the body's state.

Il a un physique d'acteur vs. Sa condition physique.

être en bonne condition physique vs bonne

Sometimes learners use 'bon'.

'Bonne' is feminine to match 'condition'.

Un bon repas vs. Une bonne condition.

être en bonne condition physique vs en

Learners often want to use 'dans'.

'En' is used for states; 'dans' is for physical containers or specific circumstances.

En forme vs. Dans la boîte.

être en bonne condition physique vs santé

Direct translation of 'health'.

You can be in good health but poor physical condition (e.g., skinny and weak but no diseases).

Il est en bonne santé mais il ne peut pas courir.

Sentence Patterns

Je suis en bonne condition physique.

Il faut être en bonne condition physique pour [activity].

Il faut être en bonne condition physique pour courir.

Si je fais du sport, je serai en bonne condition physique.

Bien que je sois en bonne condition physique, je suis fatigué.

Le maintien d'une bonne condition physique est essentiel.

Il importe que vous soyez en parfaite condition physique.

Je travaille ma condition physique tous les jours.

Elle n'est pas en bonne condition physique.

Word Family

Nouns

la condition (state/condition)

le physique (the body/physique)

la forme (fitness/shape)

le conditionnement (conditioning)

Verbs

conditionner (to condition)

se maintenir (to maintain oneself)

s'entraîner (to train)

Adjectives

physique (physical)

bon/bonne (good)

conditionnel (conditional)

la santé (health)

le sport (sport)

l'endurance (endurance)

la musculation (bodybuilding)

le bien-être (well-being)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in health, sports, and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Il est en bon condition physique. → Il est en bonne condition physique.
Condition is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be 'bonne', even for a male subject.
Je suis dans une bonne condition physique. → Je suis en bonne condition physique.
Using 'dans' is a direct translation from English. French uses the preposition 'en' for states of health.
Ma physique condition est bonne. → Ma condition physique est bonne.
In French, the adjective 'physique' usually follows the noun 'condition'.
Il est en bonne santé physique. → Il est en bonne condition physique.
While 'santé' is not wrong, 'condition physique' specifically refers to fitness and stamina, which is usually what is meant in a sports context.
Nous êtes en bonne condition. → Vous êtes en bonne condition.
Confusion between 'nous' (we) and 'vous' (you) or incorrect verb conjugation.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always keep 'bonne' feminine. 'Condition' is a feminine noun, and adjectives in French must agree with the noun they modify, regardless of the person's gender. This is a common test point in B1 exams.

Use Intensifiers

To sound more like a native, use adjectives other than 'bonne'. Try 'excellente', 'parfaite', or 'optimale' for high levels of fitness, or 'médiocre' for low levels. This adds variety to your speech.

Register Awareness

Use 'être en forme' with friends and 'être en bonne condition physique' in professional or medical settings. Knowing which register to use is a key skill for B1 and B2 learners.

Verb Choice

Don't just use 'être'. You can say 'rester en bonne condition' (to stay fit) or 'retrouver sa condition' (to get fit again). Using different verbs makes your French sound more dynamic and precise.

Nasal Vowels

Practice the 'on' sound in 'condition'. It's a nasal vowel, meaning the air should go through your nose. Don't pronounce the 'n' like in the English word 'condition'.

Avoid Anglicisms

Avoid saying 'dans' good shape. French uses 'en'. This small change in preposition makes a huge difference in how natural you sound to a native speaker.

Word Families

Learn 'physique' as both an adjective (physical) and a noun (appearance). This will help you understand different sentences like 'Il a un beau physique' vs 'Il est en condition physique'.

Medical Context

If a doctor says this to you, it's a very positive sign. It means your body is functioning well and you are capable of physical exertion. It's a standard part of a check-up (bilan de santé).

Slang Alternatives

If you want to be very casual, use 'avoir la pêche' (to have the peach). It's a fun way to say you're in great shape and full of energy, very popular in France.

Liaison

When saying 'en excellente condition', remember to make the liaison between 'en' and 'excellente', pronouncing the 'n' sound: /ɑ̃.nɛk.sɛ.lɑ̃t/.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'être' as 'to be', 'en' as 'in', and 'bonne condition' as 'good condition'. It sounds like a car in 'good condition', but for your body ('physique').

Visual Association

Imagine a shiny, well-oiled machine (your body) running perfectly on a track. The word 'physique' at the end reminds you it's about the body.

Word Web

Santé Sport Muscles Cœur Énergie Gym Vitesse Force

Challenge

Try to use the phrase in a sentence about your favorite athlete. Then, try to use it to describe your own fitness goals for next year.

Word Origin

The phrase is a combination of Latin-derived French words. 'Être' comes from the Latin 'esse'. 'Condition' comes from 'condicio', meaning 'agreement' or 'situation'. 'Physique' comes from the Greek 'phusikos', relating to nature or the body.

Original meaning: Originally, 'condition' referred to one's social status or the terms of a contract. The shift to health and fitness occurred in the 19th century.

Romance (French), with roots in Latin and Greek.

Cultural Context

Be careful when commenting on others' condition; while 'bonne condition' is a compliment, 'mauvaise condition' can be seen as an insult or a personal judgment on their lifestyle.

In English, we often just say 'I'm fit' or 'I'm in shape'. The French phrase is slightly more descriptive and formal.

The 'Tour de France' broadcasts frequently use this term to describe the riders. French health magazines like 'Santé Magazine' often have headlines about 'votre condition physique'. The French army (L'Armée de Terre) uses it as a formal metric for soldier readiness.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Gym

Quel est votre objectif de condition physique ?
Je veux améliorer ma condition physique.
Il est en très bonne condition physique.
On va tester votre condition physique.

At the Doctor

Vous êtes en bonne condition physique générale.
Votre condition physique s'est améliorée.
Faites attention à votre condition physique.
Est-ce que je suis en condition physique pour courir ?

Sports Commentary

Le joueur manque de condition physique.
Il a retrouvé sa condition physique optimale.
Sa condition physique est impressionnante.
Il doit travailler sa condition physique.

Job Interview (Physical Jobs)

Le poste exige d'être en bonne condition physique.
Je suis en parfaite condition physique.
Avez-vous une bonne condition physique ?
La condition physique est un critère de sélection.

School (PE Class)

Nous allons faire un test de condition physique.
Travaillez votre condition physique !
La condition physique compte pour la note.
Il est important d'être en bonne condition physique.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu penses qu'il est important d'être en bonne condition physique pour être heureux ?"

"Quels sports fais-tu pour rester en bonne condition physique ?"

"Penses-tu que les Français sont en meilleure condition physique que les Américains ?"

"Est-il difficile de maintenir une bonne condition physique quand on travaille beaucoup ?"

"Quel est le secret pour être en excellente condition physique après 60 ans ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez votre routine quotidienne pour rester en bonne condition physique.

Pourquoi est-il important pour vous (ou non) d'être en bonne condition physique ?

Racontez une fois où vous n'étiez pas en bonne condition physique et comment vous vous sentiez.

Quels sont vos objectifs pour améliorer votre condition physique cette année ?

Analysez l'importance de la condition physique dans le métier de vos rêves.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. 'Être en forme' is more casual and often refers to your energy levels at a specific moment. 'Être en bonne condition physique' is more formal and refers to your overall level of fitness, strength, and endurance. For example, you can be in good physical condition but not 'en forme' today because you didn't sleep well.

No, you must always use 'bonne' because 'condition' is a feminine noun in French. Even if you are talking about a man, you say 'Il est en bonne condition physique'. The adjective agrees with the noun 'condition', not the person.

It is better to avoid it. While people will understand you, it's considered an anglicism (a literal translation from English). In French, we use the preposition 'en' to describe states of being like health or fitness. Always say 'en bonne condition'.

Use 'être en bonne condition physique' when you are talking about fitness, sports, or the ability to perform physical tasks. Use 'être en bonne santé' when you are talking about the absence of illness or medical health in general.

Yes, it is very common. Commentators and coaches use it to describe an athlete's readiness for a competition. They might say a player 'manque de condition physique' if they haven't trained enough.

You can say 'se remettre en condition physique' or 'travailler sa condition physique'. Both imply the process of improving your fitness level.

Among young people and in the gym community, the English word 'fit' is used (e.g., 'Elle est très fit'). However, in formal writing or professional contexts, 'être en bonne condition physique' is the correct and preferred term.

The most common opposite is 'être en mauvaise condition physique'. You could also say 'être hors de forme' or 'manquer de condition physique'.

Yes, in French, nouns ending in '-tion' are almost always feminine. This is a helpful rule for many words like 'station', 'nation', and 'action'.

No, 'condition physique' specifically refers to the human body. For an object like a car, you would just say 'être en bon état'.