bon retour
The English phrase "safe return" is expressed in French as bon retour.
bon retour is the standard idiomatic way to wish someone a safe journey back.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal combination of bon (good) and retour (return).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because retour is a masculine noun, the adjective bon stays in its masculine form.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, bon retour can be used as a greeting to someone who has just arrived back, essentially meaning 'welcome back' rather than 'have a safe trip'.
- In professional or formal email correspondence, bon retour is often used as a polite closing remark when a colleague returns from vacation or a business trip.
- While English uses the adjective 'safe' to express this wish, French uses 'bon' (good), implying that a 'good return' is one that is smooth and pleasant, not just free from danger.
Examples in context
- Je vous souhaite un bon retour et j'espère que tout se passera bien.I wish you a safe return, and I hope everything goes well.
- Je vous souhaite un bon retour.I wish you a safe return.
Example conversation
Manon is leaving for a short weekend trip.
- LucasBon voyage, Manon !Have a good trip, Manon!
- ManonMerci, Lucas.Thank you, Lucas.
- LucasJe te souhaite un bon retour dimanche.I wish you a safe return on Sunday.
- ManonC'est très gentil, merci.That is very kind, thank you.
