A versatile word built around the core idea of "good" or "well"
Encoding Strategies:
linguistic
benefit
something good
Bien means well and is related to the English word benefit0, since a benefit is something good done for you.
bien
well (properly)
When something is done in a good, proper, or correct way.
Hablas bien el españolYou speak Spanish well
Haz las cosas bienDo things properly
well, fine, good (health)
When someone is in a good state of health or feeling good.
No me siento bien hoyI don't feel well today
Mi abuelo ya está bien después de la operaciónMy grandfather is fine now after the surgery
OK, alright, fine (agreement)
Used on its own to express agreement or acceptance, by saying things are good.
Quedamos a las ocho. — BienLet's meet at eight. — OK
Bien, te espero en la puertaAlright, I'll wait for you at the door
very, quite, really (intensifier)
Used before an adjective or adverb to intensify it, like how English says "good and cold" to mean "really cold."
Hace bien frío hoyIt's really cold today
Llegó bien tarde a la reuniónHe arrived quite late to the meeting
el bien
good
The abstract concept of good, as opposed to evil.
El bien siempre triunfa sobre el malGood always triumphs over evil
Hay que enseñar a los niños a distinguir entre el bien y el malWe have to teach children to tell good from evil
good, benefit, welfare
A concrete benefit or good done for someone.
Lo hizo por el bien de su familiaHe did it for the good of his family
Esta ley es para el bien de todosThis law is for the benefit of everyone
los bienes
goods, property, belongings, assets
The things that benefit you: your possessions, property, and assets.
Dejó todos sus bienes a sus hijosHe left all his belongings to his children
Bienes raícesReal estate (literally: rooted goods)
bien ... bien
either...or, whether...or
Used to present two alternatives, where both options are "good" or acceptable.
Bien vienes hoy, bien vienes mañanaEither you come today or you come tomorrow
Bien por dinero, bien por amor, se casó con élWhether for money or for love, she married him