bon voyage
/bɔ̃ vwa.jaʒ/
In French, "good journey" is expressed as bon voyage.
bon voyage is a phrase used to wish someone a pleasant trip. It is a versatile expression used for both long-distance travel and for shorter trips or departures.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bon (good) and the noun voyage (journey/trip).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, specifically more commonly heard in France, Bon trajet is used to wish someone a good journey.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the phrase bon voyage is often used as an elliptical expression, meaning the article un (a) is frequently omitted when used as an interjection.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ̃ vwa.jaʒ/
Did you know?
- In French, bon voyage can be used sarcastically to tell someone to leave and never come back, similar to the English 'good riddance'.
- In certain contexts, faire un voyage can be a euphemism for dying, describing a final journey to the afterlife.
- The word voyage comes from the Latin viāticum, which originally referred to the money or provisions given to a traveler for their journey.
Examples in context
- Je lui souhaitai bon voyage.I wished him a good journey.This sentence shows how to use bon voyage to wish someone a good journey in the past tense.Tatoeba #1441133 by sacredceltic, translation #1439130 by quickfitter
- Je vous souhaite un bon voyage.I wish you a good journey.This sentence demonstrates wishing someone a good journey using the form bon voyage.Tatoeba #435212 by qdii, translation #280451 by glossboss
- Bon voyage, mon amiGood journey, my friend
- Bon voyage en toute sécuritéGood journey, stay safe
- Bon voyage et bon séjourGood journey and good stay
- Bon voyage à tous !Have a good journey, everyone!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon is leaving for a weekend in Paris.
- GabrielTu pars enfin ?Are you finally leaving?
- ManonOui, je prends le train dans une heure.Yes, I am taking the train in an hour.
- GabrielBon voyage, Manon !Have a good journey, Manon!
- ManonMerci beaucoup, Gabriel.Thank you very much, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bon voyage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, voyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
