French Phrase
Note bien le problème.
Meaning
‘Note bien le problème.’ means ‘Take careful note of the problem’ or ‘Write down the problem properly.’ It is a concise way to tell someone to pay attention to an issue and record it.
When to use
Use this phrase in instructional settings, meetings, or written notes when you want to draw attention to a specific difficulty and make sure it is recorded. It is common in formal or semi‑formal contexts such as classroom instructions, project briefings, or technical documentation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Notebienleproblème
Imperative of *noter*
‘Note’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *noter* (to note, to write down). It is used for giving a direct command to one person.
Adverb *bien*
*Bien* modifies the verb, meaning ‘well’, ‘carefully’ or ‘properly’. Placing it after the imperative stresses the thoroughness of the action.
Definite article *le*
*Le* is the masculine singular definite article that agrees with *problème*.
Noun gender
*Problème* is masculine, so the article is *le* and any adjectives would have to agree in gender.
🗨In Conversation
Note bien le problème avant de commencer le test.
Take careful note of the problem before starting the test.
D'accord, je le note immédiatement.
Okay, I’ll note it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Notez bien le problème.
Use *Notez* only when addressing multiple people or in a very formal tone; for a single listener the correct form is *Note*.
Note le problème bien.
The adverb *bien* should directly follow the imperative verb, not be placed after the object.
Note bien la problème.
*Problème* is masculine, so the article must be *le*, not *la*.
↔Alternatives
Prends bien note du problème.
Take good note of the problem.
Fais attention au problème.
Pay attention to the problem.
Observe le problème attentivement.
Observe the problem attentively.
Cultural Tip
The imperative ‘Note bien…’ sounds authoritative and is typical in written instructions, manuals, or when a teacher addresses a single student. In casual conversation you would soften it with ‘s’il te plaît’ (please) or use a less direct form like ‘Fais attention au problème’. Also, remember that the plural imperative ‘Notez bien…’ is used when speaking to a group or in formal written French.