bonne fortune
The English phrase "good fortune" is translated into French as bonne fortune.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bonne (good) and the noun fortune (fortune/luck).
Which one should you use?
While bonne fortune is used for more formal or literary contexts regarding destiny or prosperity, la chance is the much more common, everyday way to say "luck" in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because fortune is a feminine noun, the adjective bon must take the feminine form bonne.
Did you know?
- In classical French literature, fortune was often personified as a fickle goddess who turned a wheel to randomly elevate or ruin people, regardless of their merit.
- To say 'good luck' before an exam, a French person would say bonne chance rather than bonne fortune, which would sound like they are wishing you a large bank account.
- While bonne fortune sounds like 'good luck', the French word chance can actually be used to mean 'bad luck' in certain contexts, such as in the sarcastic phrase Quelle chance !
Examples in context
- La diligence est mère de la bonne fortune.Diligence is the mother of good fortune.This sentence illustrates the relationship between diligence and bonne fortune.Tatoeba #1015781 by sacredceltic, translation #18833 by LittleBoy
- Avec la bonne fortune et son propre effort, il remporta le premier prix du concours.What with good fortune, and his own effort, he won the first prize in the contest.This sentence shows how bonne fortune can be combined with personal effort to achieve success.Tatoeba #1017094 by sacredceltic, translation #240804 by CK
- Au Japon, le « chat qui salue » est censé apporter la bonne fortune à son propriétaire.In Japan, the "Beckoning Cat" is believed to bring good fortune to its owner.This sentence uses bonne fortune to describe the perceived effect of a charm.Tatoeba #1107106 by sacredceltic, translation #1106906 by Scott
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing a recent lottery win.
- LéaTu as eu une grande bonne fortune, Nathan !You had great good fortune, Nathan!
- NathanOui, je n'arrive pas encore à y croire.Yes, I still can't believe it.
- LéaC'est rare d'avoir une telle bonne fortune.It is rare to have such good fortune.
- NathanJe vais partager mes gains avec toi.I am going to share my winnings with you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
