Buone vacanze
The English phrase "happy vacation" is translated into Italian as Buone vacanze.
This phrase is used to wish someone an enjoyable time while they are on holiday. You might also use variations such as Auguri per le tue vacanze! to say "Best wishes for your vacation!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Buone vacanze literally translates to "Good holidays".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vacanze is feminine plural, so the adjective buone must also be in the feminine plural form. Although Buone vacanze is the standard plural form used for the holiday season, the singular Buona vacanza can be used to refer to one specific trip or period of time.
When do people say it?
When someone says Buone vacanze to you, a natural and common response is Grazie, altrettanto! which means "Thanks, same to you!" This is appropriate if the person is also going on holiday or if you simply want to return the sentiment.
Did you know?
- The peak of the Italian vacation season revolves around Ferragosto on August 15th. During this period, many businesses across Italy close entirely, making it the most significant window for the country's summer breaks.
- The word vacanze comes from the Latin vacare, which means 'to be empty'. In its original sense, it referred to a period when a position or a duty was empty or vacant.
- During the winter season, Italians typically swap Buone vacanze for Buone feste, which translates to 'Good feasts'. This shifts the focus from the time off to the celebrations themselves.
Examples in context
- Le auguro una felice vacanza! Spero che Lei si diverta molto durante il suo soggiorno in Italia.I wish you a happy vacation! I hope you have a lot of fun during your stay in Italy.
- Buone vacanze! Divertiti, scatta molte foto e mangia tanto gelato!Happy holidays! Have fun, take lots of pictures, and eat lots of gelato!
- Buone vacanze a tutti!Happy vacation to everyone!
- Ti auguro buone vacanze.I wish you a happy vacation.
- Buone vacanze, ci vediamo presto!Happy vacation, see you soon!
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are saying goodbye at the office before the summer break.
- SofiaCiao Alessandro, ci vediamo a settembre!Bye Alessandro, see you in September!
- AlessandroSì, buone vacanze a te, Sofia!Yes, happy vacation to you, Sofia!
- SofiaGrazie! Buone vacanze anche a te.Thanks! Happy vacation to you too.
- AlessandroGrazie mille, a presto!Thanks a lot, see you soon!
