Passe une bonne journée
In French, "I hope you have a great day" is expressed as Passe une bonne journée.
This phrase is a friendly wish used when saying goodbye to someone during the day. In many casual situations, French speakers shorten the phrase to just Bonne journée when saying goodbye. Note that you should use Bonne soirée instead if you are saying goodbye in the late afternoon or evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Passe une bonne journée literally translates to "Spend a good day".
Which one should you use?
The default form Passe une bonne journée is used for one person whom you know well, such as a friend or a family member. In contrast, if you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people, you should use the form Passez une bonne journée.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group or a person you do not know well, the verb changes to the form Passez une bonne journée.
Did you know?
- The word journée originally referred to a day's work or the distance one could travel in a single day.
- In France, saying bonne journée to a shopkeeper as you leave is a vital social courtesy, and omitting it can be perceived as rudeness.
- The word journée shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'journey'.
Examples in context
- Je vous souhaite une excellente journée. Cordialement, [Your Name].I wish you an excellent day. Sincerely, [Your Name].
- Je vous souhaite une très bonne journée remplie de succès et de bonheur.I wish you a very good day filled with success and happiness.
- Je te souhaite une super journée! Amuse-toi bien!I wish you a great day! Have fun!
- Merci, toi aussi, passe une bonne journée.Thanks, you too, have a great day.
- Allez, passe une bonne journée au travail.Go on, have a great day at work.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are leaving a coffee shop after meeting briefly.
- GabrielSalut Chloé, passe une bonne journée !Bye Chloé, have a great day!
- ChloéMerci Gabriel, toi aussi !Thanks Gabriel, you too!
- GabrielMerci, à bientôt.Thanks, see you soon.
- ChloéOui, à bientôt !Yes, see you soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries journée, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
