boa viagem
/ˈbo(w).ɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃/word by word
The English phrase 'safe flight' is translated into Portuguese as boa viagem.
boa viagem is the standard way to wish someone a safe flight, regardless of the mode of transport.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, boa viagem translates to 'good trip'.
Which one should you use?
While boa viagem is more common, bom voo can be used to specifically wish someone a good flight.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective boa (good) must agree in gender with the feminine noun viagem (trip).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbo(w).ɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word viagem shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'viaticum', which historically referred to money or provisions for a journey.
- The spelling of viagem with an 'm' at the end is a classic feature of Portuguese, whereas its Spanish cognate viaje uses a 'j'.
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, it is common to respond to boa viagem with obrigado (thank you) or even a small blessing if the traveler is close to the family.
Examples in context
- Desejo-lhe um voo tranquilo e prazeroso!I wish you a calm and enjoyable flight!
- Boa viagem, meu amor.Safe flight, my love.
- Tenha uma boa viagem!Have a safe flight!
- Desejo a você uma boa viagem.I wish you a safe flight.
Example conversation
At the airport terminal as Rodrigo prepares to depart.
- BeatrizRodrigo, não esqueça seu passaporte.Rodrigo, don't forget your passport.
- RodrigoEstá na mochila, Beatriz. Obrigado.It is in the backpack, Beatriz. Thank you.
- BeatrizTudo bem. Boa viagem!Alright. Safe flight!
- RodrigoObrigado, querida. Até logo.Thank you, darling. See you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry boa viagem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (boa, viagem) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boa, viagem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
