buon viaggio
/ˈbwɔn viˈad.d͡ʒo/word by word
The Italian phrase for "safe travel" is buon viaggio.
While it literally translates to "good journey", it is the standard idiomatic way to say "safe travels" or "have a nice trip" in Italian.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective buon (good) and the noun viaggio (journey/trip).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buon is the truncated form of buono used before a masculine noun starting with a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbwɔn viˈad.dʒo/. The phrase has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1 of 3.
Did you know?
- While buon viaggio is the standard wish, Italians often use the phrase in bocca al lupo (into the mouth of the wolf) to wish someone luck before a risky venture or a challenging trip.
- The word viaggio shares its DNA with the English word 'voyage', as both stem from the Latin 'via' meaning 'road' or 'path'.
- If someone wishes you buon viaggio, it is common to respond with grazie or altrettanto if the other person is also departing.
Examples in context
- Buon viaggio e buone vacanze!Have a good trip and enjoy your vacation!
- Buon viaggio, caro!Have a safe journey, dear!
- Ti auguro un buon viaggio.I wish you a pleasant journey.
- Buon viaggio a tutti voi!Safe travels to all of you!
Example conversation
Chiara is at the airport leaving for a vacation.
- FrancescoHai tutto per il volo?Do you have everything for the flight?
- ChiaraSì, tutto pronto in valigia.Yes, everything is ready in the suitcase.
- FrancescoAllora, buon viaggio, Chiara!Then, have a safe journey, Chiara!
- ChiaraGrazie mille, Francesco!Thanks a lot, Francesco!
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.
