bonnes vacances
In French, the phrase for a great holiday is bonnes vacances.
The phrase bonnes vacances is used as a standalone wish to tell someone to have an enjoyable time while on vacation, or as a way to say 'have a great holiday' when someone is departing for a trip.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'good holidays'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vacances is always feminine plural in French, so the adjective bonnes must also be feminine plural.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular vacance to mean holiday or vacation, but in French, the word is almost always used in its plural form vacances.
Did you know?
- The word vacances comes from the Latin vacare, which means 'to be empty' or 'to be free from duty'.
- While vacances usually means 'holiday', the singular vacance refers to an empty position or a 'vacancy' in a job or a building.
- In France, the 'great holidays' of summer are often called les grandes vacances, referring specifically to the long break between school years.
Examples in context
- Mes vacances étaient géniales ! J'ai bien profité du soleil et des plages ensoleillées.My holidays were awesome! I really enjoyed the sun and the sunny beaches.
- Passe de bonnes vacances !Have a great holiday!
- Je vous souhaite de bonnes vacances.I wish you a great holiday.
- Profitez bien, et bonnes vacances !Enjoy yourself, and have a great holiday!
Example conversation
Emma is leaving for a trip to the seaside.
- HugoTu pars à la mer aujourd'hui ?Are you leaving for the seaside today?
- EmmaOui, je pars ce matin.Yes, I am leaving this morning.
- HugoD'accord, bonnes vacances Emma !Okay, have a great holiday, Emma!
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, Hugo !Thank you very much, Hugo!
