bon voyage
/bɔ̃ vwa.jaʒ/
The English phrase "have a safe trip" is expressed in French as bon voyage.
bon voyage is a phrase used to wish someone a pleasant and safe journey. While it is technically a noun phrase, it is commonly used as an interjection on its own to wish someone a safe trip. Unlike the English phrase "have a safe trip", which emphasizes safety, the French bon voyage focuses more on the quality of the journey being "good".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bon voyage literally translates to "good journey".
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing one person you know well, you can use the informal imperative form Fais bon voyage. When addressing a stranger, a superior or a group of people, you should use Faites bon voyage instead.
Did you know?
- French has a specific term viatique which is a doublet of voyage, though today it is mostly used to refer to the final Eucharist given to a dying person on their 'last journey'.
- In France, it is common to pair bon voyage with the gesture of a bise, which involves kissing someone on both cheeks to say goodbye.
- While bon voyage is a loanphrase in English, French speakers also use the expression bonne route specifically when someone is departing by car.
Examples in context
- Fais bon voyage !Have a safe trip.This sentence shows how to use bon voyage in an informal imperative context.Tatoeba #1763116 by sacredceltic, translation #28483 by CK
- Je vous souhaite un bon voyage !I wish you a good trip!
- Bon voyage ! Profite bien de ton séjour !Have a safe trip! Enjoy your stay!
- Bon voyage à toi !Have a safe trip!
- Je vous souhaite un bon voyage.I wish you a safe journey.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is leaving for a vacation and Manon says goodbye at the station.
- ManonLe train va bientôt partir.The train is leaving soon.
- NathanOui, je dois y aller.Yes, I have to go.
- ManonBon voyage, Nathan !Have a safe trip, Nathan!
- NathanMerci Manon, à bientôt.Thanks Manon, see you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bon voyage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, voyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
