Bonne semaine
To say "have a good week" in French, use Bonne semaine.
The phrase is used to wish someone a pleasant week ahead. While English uses a verb ('have'), French often uses the adjective alone as a standalone greeting or parting wish. For example, you can simply say Bonne semaine.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Good week'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, one may hear the phrase Passe une belle semaine instead of Passe une bonne semaine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 'bonne' is the feminine form of 'bon' to agree with the feminine noun 'semaine'.
When do people say it?
Timing matters when using specific variations of this wish. On Monday, one can say Bonne semaine, bon début de semaine. On Friday, one can say Bon weekend et à la semaine prochaine.
Did you know?
- The word semaine is derived from the Latin word for 'seventh'. This reflects the ancient Roman practice of counting days in a cycle of seven.
- In many French cultures, a written Bonne semaine is a common way to end a professional email to a client or colleague.
- A common response to Bonne semaine is Merci, vous aussi or Merci, toi aussi, mirroring the English 'you too' but requiring strict pronoun agreement.
Examples in context
- Passe une bonne semaine !Have a good week!This sentence shows how to use the phrase in an informal way.Tatoeba #4220426 by Alexs, translation #4220036 by BEASY8
- Bonne semaine, tout le monde.Have a good week, everybody.This sentence demonstrates how to use the phrase when addressing a group.Tatoeba #7695672 by Maxence, translation #12847936 by rul
- Passez une bonne semaine et n'hésitez pas à me contacter si vous avez des questions.Have a good week and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
- Je vous souhaite une excellente semaine remplie de réussite et d'accomplissement.I wish you an excellent week filled with success and fulfillment.
- Passe une bonne semaine et on se voit samedi!Have a good week, and see you on Saturday!
- Je te souhaite une super semaine pleine de bonheur et de surprises!I wish you a super week full of happiness and surprises!
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are leaving their office on a Monday morning.
- ChloéOn se voit mardi, Nathan.See you Tuesday, Nathan.
- NathanD'accord, Chloé. Bonne semaine !Okay, Chloé. Have a good week!
- ChloéMerci, toi aussi.Thanks, you too.
- NathanÀ bientôt.See you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semaine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
