buon viaggio
/ˈbwɔn viˈad.d͡ʒo/word by word
The English phrase "safe journey" is translated into Italian as buon viaggio.
buon viaggio is used to wish someone a pleasant and secure trip. It is the most commonly used phrase in Italian for this purpose.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective buon (good) and the noun viaggio (journey or trip).
Which one should you use?
While buon viaggio is the standard expression for any trip, buon cammino is used specifically for someone embarking on a walking journey or a pilgrimage.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the adjective buon is the truncated form of buono. It is used before masculine nouns starting with a consonant or certain other letters to facilitate easier pronunciation.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbwɔn viˈad.dʒo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
If someone says buon viaggio to you, a common response is Grazie, altrettanto! (Thanks, same to you!) if the other person is also traveling.
Did you know?
- In Italy, wishing someone buon viaggio can sometimes be seen as a 'jinx' in superstitious circles. Some people prefer to avoid direct wishes for success or safety to prevent bad luck from striking the trip.
- The word viatico is a doublet of viaggio, meaning they come from the same Latin root. However, viatico now refers specifically to the 'viaticum', the final Eucharist given to a dying person for their 'journey' to the afterlife.
Examples in context
- Buon viaggio, a presto!Safe journey, see you soon!
- Ti auguro un buon viaggio.I wish you a safe journey.
- Dì buon viaggio anche a Marco.Wish Marco a safe journey too.
Example conversation
Giulia is leaving for the airport and Alessandro is seeing her off.
- AlessandroHai preso tutti i documenti?Did you take all your documents?
- GiuliaSì, sono pronta per partire.Yes, I am ready to leave.
- AlessandroAllora buon viaggio, Giulia!Then safe journey, Giulia!
- GiuliaGrazie mille, Alessandro.Thank you very much, Alessandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (buon, viaggio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries viaggio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
