deseos de buena suerte
/deseos de bwena sweɾte/from spelling rules
The English phrase "good luck wishes" is translated into Spanish as deseos de buena suerte.
This phrase refers to the concept of expressions used to wish someone success or a positive outcome in a future event. While deseos de buena suerte is the noun phrase used to describe the concept, the standard way to actually express the wish to someone directly is by saying ¡Buena suerte!
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of deseos (wishes), de (of), buena (good) and suerte (luck).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase ¡Mucha mierda y a por ello! is used to mean "Lots of luck, go for it!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun deseos is plural, so the phrase refers to multiple wishes. A common and more natural way to express a good luck wish is by using the subjunctive mood with que, such as in ¡Que tengas mucha suerte!
When do people say it?
In the theater community, the informal expression ¡Mucha mierda! is used to mean "Break a leg!"
Did you know?
- The Spanish word suerte shares a common ancestor with the English word 'sort', as both originate from the Latin 'sortis' meaning 'fate' or 'lot'.
- While ¡Mucha mierda! is used by actors to avoid jinxing a show, using it in a professional business meeting would be considered extremely vulgar and offensive.
- In Spanish, wishing someone 'good luck' can sometimes be seen as a jinx in certain superstitious circles, leading people to use indirect phrases instead.
Examples in context
- Estimado Sr. García, le deseo mucha suerte en su entrevista de trabajo mañana. Estoy seguro de que mostrará sus habilidades y obtendrá el puesto.Dear Mr. García, I wish you a lot of luck in your job interview tomorrow. I'm confident that you will showcase your skills and get the job.
- ¡Buena suerte en tu examen, Ana! Estoy segura de que lo vas a hacer genial. ¡Tienes todo mi apoyo!Good luck on your exam, Ana! I'm sure you'll do great. You have my full support!
- ¡Mucha mierda y a por ello, chicos! Estoy seguro de que darán un espectáculo increíble esta noche.Break a leg, guys! I'm sure you will put on an incredible show tonight.
- Agradezco tus deseos de buena suerte.I appreciate your good luck wishes.
Example conversation
Mateo is about to take a big exam.
- MateoEstoy muy nervioso por el examen de hoy.I am very nervous about today's exam.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Mateo, tienes mis deseos de buena suerte.Don't worry, Mateo, you have my good luck wishes.
- MateoMuchas gracias, Elena. Lo aprecio mucho.Thank you very much, Elena. I really appreciate it.
- Elena¡Tú puedes hacerlo! Mucho éxito.You can do it! Much success.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, suerte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
