buon volo
/ˈbwɔn ˈvo.lo/word by word
The English phrase "safe flight" is translated into Italian as buon volo.
Use buon volo when specifically wishing someone a safe or pleasant experience during air travel. While it translates literally to "good flight," it is the standard way to convey the sentiment of a safe flight.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good flight".
Which one should you use?
While buon volo is specific to air travel, you can also use buon viaggio, which means "good trip" and applies to any form of travel, such as by car, train or boat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buon is the truncated form of buono, used here because it precedes a masculine noun that begins with a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbwɔn ˈvo.lo/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While buon volo is used for air travel, Italians often avoid saying 'safe flight' in a way that emphasizes danger, as focusing on the risk of a crash can be seen as bringing bad luck.
- The word volo is used not only for aircraft but also to describe the flight of a bird or even a 'volo' in the sense of a leap or a dive in sports.
- The word volo comes from the Latin verb volare, which means 'to fly'.
Examples in context
- Prima di salire sull'aereo, mi raccomando, buon volo!Before boarding the plane, remember, have a safe flight!
- Mia cara amica, ti auguro un volo sicuro e senza intoppi. Torna presto!My dear friend, I wish you a safe and smooth flight. Come back soon!
- Trascorri delle bellissime vacanze! Buon viaggio!Have a wonderful holiday! Safe travels!
- Buon volo a tutti!Have a safe flight, everyone!
- Ti auguro un buon volo.I wish you a safe flight.
- Buon volo e a presto!Safe flight and see you soon!
Example conversation
Matteo is seeing Chiara off at the airport.
- MatteoIl tuo volo è tra poco, Chiara.Your flight is in a little bit, Chiara.
- ChiaraSì, devo andare verso il gate.Yes, I have to go towards the gate.
- MatteoVa bene, buon volo!Alright, safe flight!
- ChiaraGrazie mille, Matteo!Thanks a lot, Matteo!
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.
