Buone vacanze
The English phrase happy holiday is expressed in Italian as Buone vacanze.
Buone vacanze is a greeting used to wish someone an enjoyable time while they are on vacation. You should use this specific phrase when you know someone is actually going away on a trip or taking a break from work/school.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine plural adjective buone (good) and the feminine plural noun vacanze (holidays/vacations).
Which one should you use?
While Buone vacanze refers specifically to a period of vacation or time off, Buone feste is the preferred phrase for the general holiday season (like Christmas and New Year).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must use the plural form Buone vacanze because the noun vacanze is plural. Using the singular Buon vacanza is grammatically incorrect.
Did you know?
- The phrase Buone vacanze is specifically tied to the concept of 'going away' rather than just 'having time off'. If a person stays at home for their break, an Italian might find it more natural to wish them a 'buon riposo' instead.
- If you see a sign in a shop window during the summer season that says Chiuso per vacanze, it is not just saying they are closed for 'a' holiday, but that the business is closed for the entire seasonal vacation period.
- The plural form of vacanze is so deeply embedded in the phrase that even if a person is only away for a single day, you must still use the plural Buone vacanze.
Examples in context
- Buone vacanze a tutti!Happy holidays to everyone!
- Ti auguro buone vacanze.I wish you a happy holiday.
- Buone vacanze in montagna!Have a happy holiday in the mountains!
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are colleagues saying goodbye before a break.
- GiuliaVado in Spagna domani. Buone vacanze, Francesco!I am going to Spain tomorrow. Happy holiday, Francesco!
- FrancescoGrazie, Giulia! Anche a te buone vacanze.Thanks, Giulia! Happy holiday to you too.
- GiuliaGrazie! Ci vediamo tra due settimane.Thanks! I will see you in two weeks.
- FrancescoA presto, divertiti!See you soon, have fun!
