góða ferð
[ˈkouːða ˈfɛrð]
The Icelandic phrase for "bon voyage" is góða ferð.
Meaning: wish of good journey (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of góða (good, accusative feminine singular) and ferð (journey/trip, feminine singular).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the accusative case because it is an elliptical expression for 'I wish you a good journey' (ég óska þér góða ferð).
When do people say it?
The phrase Gættu vel á þér means "Take good care of yourself" and can be used to add a personal touch to a farewell.
Did you know?
- In Iceland, rather than just saying góða ferð, people often say komdu safe when someone is driving, which is a modern loan-phrase influenced by English.
- In Iceland, saying góða ferð is often accompanied by the specific wish bless which is used for almost every kind of farewell, regardless of where the person is going.
- The word ferð shares a common ancestor with the English word 'fare', as seen in phrases like 'farewell' or 'thoroughfare'.
Examples in context
- Ég ósk þér góða ferð.I wish you a good journey.
- Góða ferð heim til þín.Have a good trip home.
Example conversation
Sigurður is leaving for a vacation and Sigríður is seeing him off at the airport.
- SigríðurGóða ferð, Sigurður!Have a good trip, Sigurður!
- SigurðurTakk fyrir, Sigríður.Thank you, Sigríður.
- SigríðurVertu viss um að njóta þess.Make sure to enjoy yourself.
- SigurðurJá, ég ætla að gera það.Yes, I will do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bon voyage” translations and entries góða ferð, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ferð, CC BY-SA 4.0.
