bonnes vacances
The English phrase "have a great holiday" is translated into French as bonnes vacances.
bonnes vacances is a friendly wish used to tell someone to enjoy their time off from work or school. This phrase is used specifically for extended periods of time off, such as summer break or a trip, rather than a single day off. Note that if you want to say "Happy Holidays" in a seasonal context, you would use Joyeuses Fêtes! instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good holidays" because the verb "to have" is omitted in this common elliptical expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase bonnes vacances, the word bonnes is the feminine plural form of the adjective bon to agree with the feminine plural noun vacances.
Did you know?
- The concept of vacances is so ingrained in French culture that the phrase le grand départ describes the synchronized mass exodus of millions of people leaving cities for their summer breaks.
- In France, if you use the word vacances in the singular form, vacance, it refers to a job vacancy or a state of being unoccupied rather than a holiday.
- While vacances is plural in French, the English word 'vacation' comes from the Latin vacatio, which means 'being empty' or 'free from duty'.
Examples in context
- Passez d'agréables vacances en famille!Have a delightful family vacation!
- Amuse-toi bien pendant tes formidables vacances d'été!Have a fantastic summer vacation!
- Joyeux Noël et passez de merveilleuses vacances en famille!Merry Christmas and have a wonderful family vacation!
- Bonne année et profitez bien de vos vacances d'hiver!Happy New Year and enjoy your winter holidays!
- Bonnes vacances à tous !Have a great holiday, everyone!
- Passe de bonnes vacances !Have a great holiday!
- Je vous souhaite de bonnes vacances.I wish you a great holiday.
- Profitez bien, et bonnes vacances !Enjoy yourselves, and have a great holiday!
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are saying goodbye at the office on a Friday afternoon.
- NathanÀ lundi, Léa !See you Monday, Léa!
- LéaOui, à lundi, Nathan.Yes, see you Monday, Nathan.
- NathanBonnes vacances !Have a great holiday!
- LéaMerci, toi aussi !Thanks, you too!
