Saying “Have a good flight” is a polite and caring gesture when someone you know is about to embark on a journey by air. In Japanese culture, expressing well-wishes before a trip is essential. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “have a good flight” in Japanese, along with useful tips and examples to help you convey your message sincerely.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
1. いってらっしゃいませ (“Itterasshaimase”):
This is a formal phrase used when seeing someone off on a trip. It is typically said by the person staying behind and is commonly used within a business or more formal setting.
2. ご出発 ごしゅっぱつ お待ちしております (“Goshuppatsu o machishiteorimasu”):
This is another formal phrase used to express “I will wait for your safe departure.” It is often used by staff members at airports or train stations to passengers.
3. 無事に 無 じ 出 しゅっ 発 ぱつ されますようお 祈 いの りいたします (“Bujini shuppatsu sa remasuyō ooinorī itashimasu”):
This is a more elaborate and heartfelt expression, meaning “I pray for your safe departure.” It can be used in formal situations or when expressing deep concern for the person traveling.
Informal Ways
1. 行 い ってらっしゃい (“Itterasshai”):
This is a more colloquial and friendly expression, commonly used among friends or family members. It conveys a warm and caring sentiment, wishing the person a safe journey.
2. 行 い ってらっしゃいね (“Itterassha ne”):
Adding “ne” at the end makes it sound more friendly and familiar. The use of “ne” suggests a sense of closeness and is commonly used by friends or people of the same age group.
3. 楽 たの しい 旅 た に 逢 あ えるといいね (“Tanoshii tabi ni aeru to iine”):
This phrase translates to “I hope you have an enjoyable trip.” It is a casual yet warm way to convey your wishes to someone you know well.
Tips to Consider
1. Context Matters: Depending on your relationship with the person you are addressing, choose the appropriate level of formality to ensure your message is well-received.
2. Non-verbal Gestures: Alongside verbal well-wishes, gestures like waving, smiling, or giving a small gift can further enhance your message and show your sincere sentiments.
3. Timing: It is customary to say “have a good flight” just before the person is about to depart. It shows that you are thinking of their well-being at that moment.
Examples
Let’s look at some examples to further understand how to say “have a good flight” in Japanese:
Example 1:
Person A: 明日、海外に行くんだよ。 (Ashita, kaigai ni ikunda yo.) Person B: いってらっしゃい。気をつけて行ってらっしゃいね。 (Itterasshai. Kiotsuke te itterassha ine.) Translation: Person A: “I’m going abroad tomorrow.” Person B: “Have a good trip. Take care and have a safe journey.”
Example 2:
Person A: 仕事のために都市間を飛ぶ予定です。 (Shigoto no tame ni toshi-kan o tobu yotei desu.) Person B: 無事に出発されますようお祈りいたします。 (Bujini shuppatsu sa remasuyō ooinorī itashimasu.) Translation: Person A: “I have a business trip between cities.” Person B: “I pray for your safe departure.”
Conclusion
Expressing well-wishes before someone’s flight is a kind gesture that reflects your care and concern for their journey’s safety. Now, armed with various formal and informal ways to say “have a good flight” in Japanese, you can confidently convey your wishes to your friends, family, or colleagues. Remember to choose the appropriate level of formality based on the relationship you share. Happy travels!
