buen viaje
/ˌbwem ˈbjaxe/
The English phrase "safe flight" is expressed in Spanish as buen viaje.
While English speakers often specify the mode of travel, such as saying "safe flight," Spanish speakers typically use the more general buen viaje regardless of whether the person is flying, driving or traveling by train.
What does it mean word for word?
buen viaje literally translates to "good trip".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use Buen viaje to mean "Good trip" and Buen vuelo to mean "Good flight." In Mexico, you may hear the variation Que tengas un vuelo tranquilo to mean "Have a calm flight" and Buen viaje y que todo salga bien to mean "Have a good trip and may everything go well.".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbwem ˈbjaxe/
Did you know?
- Although buen viaje is used for travel, the word viaje is a doublet of viático, which refers to the final Eucharist given to a dying person to accompany them on their 'last journey'.
- While buen viaje is the standard wish for a traveler, it is also used sarcastically in some Spanish-speaking cultures to tell someone to 'get lost' or 'go away'.
- The word viaje did not come directly from Latin into Spanish, but was borrowed from the Catalan word viatge.
Examples in context
- ¡Buen viaje!Safe flight!
- Te deseo un buen viaje.I wish you a safe flight.
- Que tengas un buen viaje.Have a safe flight.
Example conversation
Elena is saying goodbye to Daniel at the airport.
- Elena¡Buen viaje, Daniel!Safe flight, Daniel!
- DanielMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- ElenaAvísame cuando llegues.Let me know when you arrive.
- DanielLo haré, adiós.I will, goodbye.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry buen viaje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buen, viaje, CC BY-SA 4.0.
