bonnes vacances
In French, 'have a lovely holiday' is expressed as bonnes vacances.
The phrase bonnes vacances is a friendly wish used to tell someone to enjoy their time off from work or school. It is typically used as a standalone wish or exclamation when someone is departing for a break.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, bonnes vacances means 'good holidays'.
Which one should you use?
It is simply a noun phrase used as an interjection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bonnes is feminine plural to agree with the feminine plural noun vacances.
Did you know?
- In France, the phrase bonnes vacances is often inextricably linked to the 'Grand Départ', the synchronized mass exodus of millions of people leaving cities for the coast during July and August.
- The word vacances comes from the Latin 'vacans', meaning 'empty'. It originally referred to a vacancy or an empty position rather than a trip or leisure time.
- Unlike English, where 'holiday' can mean a single public holiday like Christmas, bonnes vacances is never used for a single day off, as that would be un jour férié.
Examples in context
- Madame Dupont, je vous souhaite de très bonnes vacances remplies de joie et de détente!Mrs. Dupont, I wish you a very good holiday filled with joy and relaxation!
- Emma, profite bien de tes vacances au bord de la mer! Amuse-toi bien!Emma, enjoy your vacation by the seaside! Have a great time!
- Je vous souhaite de bonnes vacances.I wish you a lovely holiday.
- Bonnes vacances, profite bien du soleil !Have a lovely holiday, enjoy the sun!
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are saying goodbye at the office on a Friday afternoon.
- LucasÀ lundi, Chloé !See you Monday, Chloé!
- ChloéÀ lundi, Lucas. Bon week-end !See you Monday, Lucas. Have a good weekend!
- LucasMerci, et bonnes vacances à toi !Thanks, and have a lovely holiday!
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, à bientôt !Thank you very much, see you soon!
