trevlig resa
The English phrase "have a good trip" is translated into Swedish as trevlig resa.
trevlig resa is a way to wish someone a pleasant journey. You can also use the full imperative sentence Ha en trevlig resa (Have a pleasant trip), though trevlig resa is the most common elliptical version used as a standalone wish. Other variations include Njut av resan to mean "enjoy your trip", or Lycka till på resan to mean "good luck on your trip".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective trevlig (pleasant/nice) and the noun resa (trip/journey).
Which one should you use?
You might use Ha en skön resa for an informal and relaxed way to say "have a good trip" or Önskar dig en trevlig resa to be slightly more formal.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase trevlig resa, the adjective trevlig is in its singular common gender form to match the singular common gender noun resa. If you use the full sentence Ha en trevlig resa, the verb ha (have) and the article en (a) are added to the beginning.
Did you know?
- The term trevlig evolved from the Old Norse word þrifligr, which originally described someone who was 'prosperous' or 'thriving'.
- While trevlig resa is the standard wish, Swedes might say Trevlig semester if the trip is for a vacation, as the 'break from work' is the more important concept than the travel itself.
- For a more traditional or formal tone similar to the French 'Bon voyage', you can use the shorter phrase God resa.
Examples in context
- Ha en trevlig resa!Have a good trip!
- Jag önskar dig en trevlig resa.I wish you a pleasant journey.
Example conversation
Oscar is leaving for a vacation at the airport.
- LinneaHej Oscar, ska du åka nu?Hi Oscar, are you leaving now?
- OscarJa, mitt flyg går om en timme.Yes, my flight leaves in an hour.
- LinneaHa en trevlig resa, Oscar!Have a good trip, Oscar!
- OscarTack så mycket, Linnea!Thank you very much, Linnea!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry trevlig resa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries resa, trevlig, trevlig resa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
