bonne lecture
“Happy reading” in French is bonne lecture.
Bonne lecture is a common way to say happy reading in French, used to wish someone enjoyment while they read a book or a text.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine adjective bonne (good) and the feminine noun lecture (reading).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because lecture is a feminine noun, the adjective must be the feminine form bonne rather than the masculine bon.
Did you know?
- While lecture means 'reading' in French, the English word 'lecture' refers to a formal talk. This is because both come from the Latin root meaning 'to read', but English shifted the focus to the person speaking the text.
- In France, bonne lecture is often used as a polite way for a librarian or bookseller to end a transaction, acting as a functional 'goodbye' once you have chosen a book.
- The word lecture can refer to a specific interpretation of a text. A literary critic might provide a lecture of a poem, meaning a particular analysis or perspective rather than the act of reading the words.
Examples in context
- Bonne lecture.Happy reading.This example shows the phrase bonne lecture used as a standalone wish.Tatoeba #8984213 by Micsmithel, translation #8226564 by Hybrid
- Bonne lecture !Happy reading!This example shows the phrase bonne lecture used with an exclamation mark for emphasis.Tatoeba #7693771 by Micsmithel, translation #8226566 by Hybrid
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon is about to start a new book at a cafe.
- LucasTu as enfin reçu ton livre ?Did you finally receive your book?
- ManonOui, je vais commencer tout de suite.Yes, I am going to start right away.
- LucasAlors, bonne lecture, Manon !Well, happy reading, Manon!
- ManonMerci beaucoup, Lucas.Thank you very much, Lucas.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
