boa viagem
/ˈbo(w).ɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃/word by word
The Portuguese phrase for "safe journey" is boa viagem.
You use this phrase to wish someone a pleasant and secure trip. You can also use viagem tranquila if you want to express the specific wish for a journey to be calm and peaceful.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase boa viagem literally translates to "good trip".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase boa viagem, the adjective boa (good) must agree in gender with the feminine noun viagem (trip).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbo(w).ɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃/. The first of four syllables is stressed.
When do people say it?
When someone says boa viagem to you, a common way to respond is obrigado if you are male or obrigada if you are female.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, viagem can be used as a slang term to describe someone who is daydreaming or out of touch with reality, as if they are on a mental 'trip'.
- While boa viagem is universal, some Portuguese speakers use the phrase vão com Deus meaning 'go with God' as a more traditional way to wish for a safe journey.
- The word boa in boa viagem is a homonym for the 'boa constrictor' snake, though the two words have entirely different origins.
Examples in context
- Tenha uma boa viagem, meu caro amigo!Have a good trip, my dear friend!
- Desejo que tenhas uma viagem segura.I wish you have a safe journey.
- Boa viagem, irmão! Conta-me tudo quando voltares.Good trip, brother! Tell me everything when you come back.
- Que tenhas uma viagem tranquila, querida!May you have a calm journey, dear!
- Felipe, tenha uma boa viagem e aproveite ao máximo sua lua de mel!Felipe, have a good trip and make the most of your honeymoon!
- Que tenhas uma maravilhosa viagem, minha amiga!May you have a wonderful trip, my friend!
- Tenha uma boa viagem!Have a good trip!
- Boa viagem para você!Have a safe journey!
- Desejo uma boa viagem a todos.I wish everyone a safe journey.
- Tenha uma boa viagem de volta.Have a safe trip back.
Example conversation
Gabriel is seeing Camila off at the airport.
- GabrielO voo é às dez, certo?The flight is at ten, right?
- CamilaSim, preciso ir agora.Yes, I need to go now.
- GabrielBoa viagem, Camila!Safe journey, Camila!
- CamilaObrigada, Gabriel. Até logo!Thank you, Gabriel. 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.
