šťastnou cestu
[ʃcastnou̯ t͡sɛstu]
The Czech phrase for "bon voyage" is šťastnou cestu.
šťastnou cestu is the standard way to wish someone a safe and pleasant trip in Czech. It is appropriate for both short trips and long journeys.
Meaning: wish of good journey (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "happy journey". The word šťastnou is the feminine accusative form of "happy" and cestu is the feminine accusative form of "journey".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the accusative case because it is an elliptical expression of the full wish "I wish you a happy journey" (Přeji ti šťastnou cestu).
Did you know?
- While šťastnou cestu is the standard wish, Czechs may avoid wishing a performer 'good luck' or a 'happy journey' before a show, preferring to say zlom vaz which means 'break a leg'.
- The word šťastnou shares the same root as štěstí, which means both 'happiness' and 'luck'. In Czech, wishing someone a 'happy' journey is effectively wishing them a 'lucky' one.
- While 'šťastnou cestu' focuses on happiness, Czechs often use the phrase hodně štěstí (lots of luck) when someone is traveling to a place of uncertainty, such as a new job or a move to a different city.
Examples in context
- Přeji vám šťastnou cestu.I wish you a pleasant journey.
- Šťastnou cestu, ať se ti daří!Have a safe trip, and good luck!
- Pošli nám zprávu a šťastnou cestu.Send us a message and have a safe journey.
Example conversation
Lucie is seeing Lukáš off at the train station.
- LucieLukáši, šťastnou cestu!Lukáš, have a safe journey!
- LukášDíky moc, Lucie.Thanks a lot, Lucie.
- LucieDej vědět, až dorazíš.Let me know when you arrive.
- LukášUrčitě to udělám.I certainly will.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bon voyage” translations and entries šťastnou cestu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
