Bona fortuna
[ˈbɔ.na fɔrˈtuː.na]word by word
Bona fortuna is the Latin way to say good luck.
Bona fortuna is used to wish fortune upon someone or to provide encouragement. While Bona fortuna refers specifically to the concept of good luck, the word fortuna alone is a neutral concept of fate that can refer to both good and bad luck.
Meaning: used to wish fortune on someone or as encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bona (good) and the noun fortuna (fortune/luck).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are wishing 'good luck' to someone as a direct object, such as in the sentence 'I wish you good luck', the phrase changes to the accusative case: Bonam fortunam. Additionally, if using the formal phrase Sit tibi bonum omen, you can change it to Sit vobis bonum omen to address a group of people instead of an individual.
Did you know?
- In Roman culture, the concept of fortuna was personified as a goddess. She was often depicted holding a rudder to symbolize her power to steer the course of human lives.
- The word for 'luck' in Bona fortuna shares a common ancestor with the English verb 'to bear', implying that luck is something that is 'carried' or 'borne' toward you.
Examples in context
- Sit vobis bonum omen in hoc certamineMay good fortune be with you in this competition
- Ut fortuna te sequatur. Vale!May fortune follow you. Farewell!
- Bona fortuna tibi sit.May good luck be with you.
- Bona fortuna in itinere tuo.Good luck on your journey.
- Bona fortuna in certamine!Good luck in the contest!
Example conversation
Quintus is wishing Claudia success before a competition.
- QuintusClaudia, cras certamen habes.Claudia, you have a contest tomorrow.
- ClaudiaIta vero, valde timeo.Yes, I am very afraid.
- QuintusNoli timere. Bona fortuna!Do not be afraid. Good luck!
- ClaudiaGratias tibi ago, Quinte.Thank you, Quintus.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bona, fortuna) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bona, fortuna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
