buone vacanze
To say "have a great vacation" in Italian, use buone vacanze.
Buone vacanze is a common way to wish someone a great vacation.
Which one should you use?
While buone vacanze is the standard phrase, Buone ferie is an informal alternative that translates to "Good holidays".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase buone vacanze is grammatically feminine plural to match the feminine plural noun vacanze.
When do people say it?
If someone wishes this to you and you are also going on vacation, a common way to respond is Grazie, altrettanto!, which means "Thanks, same to you!"
Did you know?
- The word vacanza comes from the Latin vacare, meaning 'to be empty'. It describes the state of being free from duties rather than the trip itself.
- In Italy, the traditional 'big' vacation happens in August, often coinciding with the feast of Ferragosto. During this time, many small shops and family businesses close entirely for several weeks.
- While vacanze refers to any time off, ferie specifically refers to paid leave from employment. Using buone ferie is a way of acknowledging that the person has earned their time off through work.
Examples in context
- Buone vacanze e tanto riposo!Have a great vacation and lots of rest!
- Buone vacanze a tutti!Have a great vacation, everyone!
- Ti auguro buone vacanze.I wish you a great vacation.
- E tu, buone vacanze!And you, have a great vacation!
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are saying goodbye at the office.
- ChiaraCiao Francesco, buone vacanze!Bye Francesco, have a great vacation!
- FrancescoGrazie Chiara, anche a te!Thanks Chiara, you too!
- ChiaraGrazie, ci vediamo al rientro.Thanks, see you when we get back.
- FrancescoA presto!See you soon!
