What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Boa viagem literally translates to "Good trip".
Which one should you use?
While Boa viagem! is the standard and most common way to wish someone a good trip, Tenha uma ótima viagem! specifically translates to "Have a great trip!" Additionally, Curta a viagem! means "Enjoy the trip!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Boa viagem! is the standard, common choice. Tenha uma ótima viagem! is a straightforward way to express well wishes. In contrast, Curta a viagem! is an informal way to say "Enjoy the trip!", while Desejo-lhe uma excelente viagem! is a more formal phrase, commonly used in Portugal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the informal phrase Curta a viagem! is commonly used. The formal phrase Desejo-lhe uma excelente viagem! is more characteristic of usage in Portugal.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Boa viagem, the adjective boa (good) must be in the feminine form to agree with the feminine noun viagem (trip).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbo(w).ɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
If you are a male, you should say Obrigado. If you are a female, you should say Obrigada. If the person wishing you well is also traveling, a common way to return the sentiment is to say Obrigado, você também.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the informal Curta a viagem! uses the verb curtir, which also means 'to like' a post on social media.
- The word viagem shares a historical root with the English word 'via'. Both trace back to the Latin 'viaticum', which specifically referred to the supplies or money provided to a traveler for their journey.
- In some Portuguese-speaking contexts, wishing someone a 'good trip' can be used ironically when someone is being sent away or fired from a job.
Examples in context
- Tenha uma ótima viagem!Have a great trip!
- Boa viagem, aproveite muito!Have a great trip, enjoy it a lot!
Example conversation
At the airport before Juliana departs for her holiday.
- RodrigoVocê já está com as malas?Do you already have your suitcases?
- JulianaSim, tudo pronto para partir.Yes, everything is ready to leave.
- RodrigoBoa viagem, Juliana!Have a great trip, Juliana!
- JulianaObrigada, Rodrigo. Até a volta!Thank you, Rodrigo. See you when I get back!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (boa, viagem) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boa, viagem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
