bonne chance
/bɔn ʃɑ̃s/
The English phrase "best of luck" is translated into French as bonne chance.
This phrase is used to wish someone success in a future endeavor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bonne chance literally translates to "good luck".
Which one should you use?
While bonne chance is a common way to say "good luck", using it for something a person has total control over, such as an exam, can sometimes imply that success depends more on luck than skill.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bonne is the feminine form of bon and is used to agree with the feminine noun chance.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔn ʃɑ̃s/
Did you know?
- In the French theater world, saying bonne chance to an actor is considered bad luck. Instead, people say merde, which means 'shit'.
- To describe someone who is chronically unlucky, the French use the word poissard, which comes from the word for 'fish'.
- While bonne chance is used for luck, the phrase bon courage is used when someone is facing a difficult or tedious task. It emphasizes endurance over luck.
Examples in context
- Bonne chance pour ton entretien.Best of luck with your interview.
- Je te souhaite bonne chance.I wish you best of luck.
- Bonne chance pour ton nouveau travail !Best of luck with your new job!
Example conversation
Lucas is about to take an important driving test.
- ChloéTu es prêt pour l'examen ?Are you ready for the exam?
- LucasOui, mais je suis un peu nerveux.Yes, but I am a little nervous.
- ChloéBonne chance, Lucas !Best of luck, Lucas!
- LucasMerci beaucoup, Chloé.Thank you very much, Chloé.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bonne chance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
