bonnes vacances
The English phrase "happy vacation" is expressed in French as bonnes vacances.
You use this phrase to wish that someone has an enjoyable time while they are away on holiday. It is commonly used as a standalone exclamation, such as Bonnes vacances !, when you are saying goodbye to someone who is about to leave for a trip or holiday.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, bonnes vacances translates to "good vacations".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is always plural in French because vacances is a feminine plural noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use the singular form bonne vacance, but in French, the word for holiday is almost always used in its plural form, vacances.
Did you know?
- The word vacances shares a root with the English word 'vacant', coming from the Latin vacare, meaning 'to be empty' or 'free'.
- In France, the period of les grandes vacances refers specifically to the long summer break, which traditionally lasts from July to August.
- While bonnes vacances is used for leisure, the word congés is used for paid time off or leave from work, such as congés payés.
Examples in context
- Bonnes vacances à toi !Have a happy vacation!
- Je vous souhaite de bonnes vacances.I wish you a happy vacation.
- Passe de bonnes vacances en Italie.Have a happy vacation in Italy.
Example conversation
Hugo is saying goodbye to Emma at the airport.
- HugoAu revoir, Emma !Goodbye, Emma!
- EmmaMerci, Hugo. À bientôt.Thanks, Hugo. See you soon.
- HugoBonnes vacances !Have a happy vacation!
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, c'est gentil.Thank you very much, that's kind.
