I don't understand the expression "on avait pas mal bu"? Can this be explained please

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Asked 3 years ago

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi James

The expression 'pas mal' used in a 'familiar way' can mean 'bien' or 'beaucoup', so here it would be -

we had had quite a lot to drink

Bonne Continuation!

Like23 years ago

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi James,

"We had a good drink" in the sense of "having had a not bad drink" - trying to translate word for word.

Or "We had a lot to drink"

Jim

Like13 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Just to add to Jim's answer:

pas mal -- not bad(ly)

On n'a pas mal bu -- "we drank not badly" = we drank a lot.

Like13 years ago

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