What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'a good trip' followed by the object marker particle, implying the omitted verb 'I wish you' or 'Have'.
Which one should you use?
よい旅を is used for long-distance travel or vacations. In contrast, いってらっしゃい is the standard phrase used when someone is leaving the house or a specific location for a short time.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form よい旅を is relatively casual and is best used with friends or acquaintances rather than in highly formal business settings. For a more formal version of the "safe departure" sentiment, such as when a shopkeeper or staff member addresses a customer leaving, you would use 行ってらっしゃいませ!
How does it change in a sentence?
よい旅を is an elliptical construction where the verb is omitted, which is common in Japanese well-wishes. It can also be written using the kanji 良い instead of the hiragana よい.
How do you pronounce it?
yoi tabi o
When do people say it?
いってらっしゃい! is a common phrase used when someone is leaving to express the wish for a safe departure and return.
Did you know?
- In Japan, travelers might visit a 'travel safety deity' or buy an 'amulet' called お守り (omamori) to ensure the 'safe trip' that よい旅を wishes for.
- While よい旅を is for travelers, the phrase いってらっしゃい is essential for daily life. It literally means 'go and come back', reflecting a cultural expectation that every departure should end with a return.
- In Japanese, the concept of a 'safe trip' is often tied to the word 無事 (buji), which means 'without incident'. You might hear people wish for someone to 'arrive without incident' rather than just 'have a good trip'.
Examples in context
- お兄ちゃん、いってらっしゃい！気をつけて行ってらっしゃいね！Big brother, have a safe trip! Take care on your way!
- さとみさん、行ってらっしゃいませ！楽しい旅行になりますように！Satomi-san, have a safe trip! I hope you have a enjoyable journey!
- 一人旅、よい旅を！hitoritabi, yoi tabi o!Have a good trip on your solo journey!
Example conversation
At the airport as a man sees a woman off for her vacation.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵さん、気をつけてね。Himari-san, ki o tsukete ne.Himari, please take care.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、陽太さん。Arigatou, Youta-san.Thank you, Youta.
- 陽太 Yotaよい旅を！Yoi tabi o!Have a safe trip!
- 陽葵 Himari行ってきます！Itte kimasu!I'm off!
