Bon voyage
/bɔ̃ vwa.jaʒ/
The English phrase "enjoy your trip" is translated into French as Bon voyage.
Bon voyage is the most common and natural way to wish someone a pleasant journey in French, rather than a literal translation of 'enjoy'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bon (good) and the noun voyage (journey/trip).
How does it change in a sentence?
While Bon voyage is a noun phrase, it is frequently used as an elliptical imperative to mean "Have a good trip!"
How do you pronounce it?
It consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, you can use Bon voyage ironically when someone is leaving a situation or a job in a sudden or unpleasant way, similar to saying 'good riddance'.
- In France, it is common to pair Bon voyage with a bise, a light kiss on both cheeks, which is the standard social greeting and farewell for friends and family.
- The word voyage is actually a distant relative of the English word 'way'. They both share a common ancestor in the Latin word via, which means 'road' or 'path'.
Examples in context
- Faites un bon voyage !Enjoy your trip.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of Bon voyage.Tatoeba #9396 by sacredceltic, translation #21287 by CK
- Bon voyage !Enjoy your trip!
- Je te souhaite un bon voyage.I wish you a good trip.
Example conversation
Gabriel is at the airport leaving for a vacation.
- ManonTu pars bientôt, n'est-ce pas ?You are leaving soon, aren't you?
- GabrielOui, mon vol est à midi.Yes, my flight is at noon.
- ManonBon voyage, Gabriel !Enjoy your trip, Gabriel!
- GabrielMerci beaucoup, Manon.Thank you very much, Manon.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry bon voyage.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, voyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
