buon viaggio
/ˈbwɔn viˈad.d͡ʒo/word by word
The English phrase "happy journey" is translated into Italian as buon viaggio.
buon viaggio is the most common and standard way to wish someone a pleasant trip in Italian. It is often used as a shortened form of the full expression ti auguro un buon viaggio (I wish you a good trip). You can also add specific destinations, such as buon viaggio a Roma (happy journey to Rome) or append wishes for enjoyment, like buon viaggio e divertiti! (happy journey and have fun!).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective buon (good) and the noun viaggio (journey/trip).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buono (good) is truncated to buon because it precedes the masculine noun viaggio which starts with a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbwɔn viˈad.dʒo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word viaggio is etymologically linked to the Latin viāticum, which originally referred to the food or money carried for a journey.
- While buon viaggio is the standard wish, Italians may use buona strada specifically for long drives or pilgrimages.
- In Italian, the concept of a viaggio can refer to a spiritual or mental experience, not just a physical movement from one place to another.
Examples in context
- Buon viaggio a Venezia! Spero che tu possa ammirare la bellezza dei canali e assaporare l'autentica cucina italiana.Happy journey to Venice! I hope you can admire the beauty of the canals and savor authentic Italian cuisine.
- Buon viaggio per le vacanze!Have a happy journey for your holidays!
- Ti auguro un buon viaggio.I wish you a happy journey.
Example conversation
Giulia is leaving for the airport to catch a flight.
- AlessandroIl tuo volo è alle dieci?Is your flight at ten?
- GiuliaSì, devo andare subito.Yes, I have to go right now.
- AlessandroVa bene, buon viaggio, Giulia!Alright, happy journey, Giulia!
- GiuliaGrazie mille, Alessandro!Thanks a lot, Alessandro!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (buon, viaggio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries viaggio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
