buon fine settimana
/ˈbwɔn ˈfi.ne set.tiˈma.na/word by word
The English phrase "have a great weekend" is translated into Italian as buon fine settimana.
This is a friendly wish used to say goodbye to someone before the weekend begins. Instead, it is constructed using the adjective for "good" followed by the noun phrase for "weekend".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase buon fine settimana is grammatically masculine because fine settimana is treated as a masculine noun phrase. You may occasionally see buona fine settimana used, but this is technically a grammatical error because while fine (end) is feminine, the compound fine settimana is treated as masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbwɔn ˈfi.ne set.tiˈma.na/. It has 6 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using buona fine settimana. Although fine is a feminine noun, the compound phrase fine settimana is masculine and requires the masculine adjective buon.
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to receiving this wish is to say grazie, altrettanto! (thanks, likewise!).
Did you know?
- In very informal settings, Italians might shorten the wish to just buon weekend, adopting the English loanword directly into their daily speech.
- The word settimana contains a hidden connection to the number seven, stemming from the Latin 'septimus' which means 'seventh'.
- In a professional email, Italians often expand this wish to Le auguro un buon fine settimana to maintain a formal tone.
Examples in context
- Buon fine settimana, Maria!Have a good weekend, Maria!
- Buon fine settimana, Signor Rossi!Have a good weekend, Mr. Rossi!
- Le auguro un piacevole fine settimana, Gentile Professoressa.I wish you a pleasant weekend, Dear Professor.
- Buon weekend, amico mio!Have a great weekend, my friend!
- Divertiti nel fine settimana, Laura!Enjoy yourself during the weekend, Laura!
- Buon fine settimana a tutti!Have a great weekend, everyone!
- Ti auguro un buon fine settimana.I wish you a great weekend.
- Grazie, anche a te, buon fine settimana!Thanks, you too, have a great weekend!
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are leaving the office on a Friday afternoon.
- ChiaraCiao Matteo, buon fine settimana!Bye Matteo, have a great weekend!
- MatteoGrazie Chiara, anche a te!Thanks Chiara, you too!
- ChiaraCi vediamo lunedì.See you on Monday.
- MatteoA lunedì, ciao!See you Monday, bye!
