Bon vol
The English phrase 'have a good flight' is translated into French as Bon vol.
Bon vol is used specifically to wish someone a pleasant journey when they are traveling by plane. It should not be used for journeys made by car, train or boat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Bon vol literally translates to 'Good flight'.
Which one should you use?
While Bon vol refers specifically to the flight itself, the more general expression Bon voyage is used to wish someone a good trip or journey in a broader sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English phrase, the French version does not include a verb like avoir (to have). It is a noun phrase used as an elliptical expression.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker says C'est un vol, they might be describing a flight in the air or complaining that a price is a 'robbery'.
- The word bon in Bon vol is a direct descendant of the Latin word bonus, which also gave English the word 'bonus'.
- The word vol refers to both the act of flying through the air and the specific flight number assigned to a commercial plane.
Examples in context
- Bon vol.Have a good flight.This sentence shows how to use Bon vol as a standalone wish.Tatoeba #442117 by ajira86, translation #3428375 by CK
- Je tiens à vous souhaiter un bon vol.I want to wish you a good flight.
- Bon voyage ! Profite bien de ton séjour là-bas.Have a good flight! Enjoy your time there.
- Passe un bon vol et n'oublie pas de m'envoyer des photos une fois arrivé(e).Have a good flight, and don't forget to send me some photos once you've arrived.
- Bon vol à toi !Have a good flight!
- Je vous souhaite un bon vol.I wish you a good flight.
Example conversation
Lucas is seeing Chloé off at the airport.
- LucasAu revoir, Chloé.Goodbye, Chloé.
- ChloéMerci, Lucas. À bientôt !Thanks, Lucas. See you soon!
- LucasBon vol !Have a good flight!
- ChloéMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, vol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
