buon volo
/ˈbwɔn ˈvo.lo/word by word
The Italian phrase for "have a safe flight" is buon volo.
buon volo is used specifically when someone is departing via an airplane.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good flight".
Which one should you use?
While buon volo refers specifically to a flight, buon viaggio is a more general way to wish someone a good trip by any means of transport.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word buon is the truncated form of the adjective buono used before a masculine noun starting with a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of buon volo is /ˈbwɔn ˈvo.lo/. The stress is on the first syllable of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- The word volo shares an unexpected linguistic ancestor with the English word 'volatile', as both stem from the Latin 'volare' meaning 'to fly'.
- Unlike English, where 'safe flight' emphasizes safety, buon volo emphasizes the quality of the experience by using the word for 'good'.
- The expression volare from which volo is derived is also used in the common idiom volare basso, meaning to keep a low profile or be cautious.
Examples in context
- Ti auguro un buon volo.I wish you a safe flight.
Example conversation
At the airport, Lorenzo is seeing Martina off before her flight.
- LorenzoCiao Martina, buon volo!Bye Martina, have a safe flight!
- MartinaGrazie mille, Lorenzo.Thanks a lot, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoCi sentiamo quando arrivi.We will talk when you arrive.
- MartinaCerto, a presto!Sure, see you soon!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (buon, volo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries volo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
