šťastnou cestu
[ʃcastnou̯ t͡sɛstu]
The English phrase "safe travels" can be translated into Czech as šťastnou cestu.
This is the standard, most common way to say 'bon voyage' or 'safe travels' when someone is departing on a trip.
Meaning: bon voyage (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective šťastnou (happy/lucky) and the noun cestu (journey/way).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is in the accusative case, which is used here as a shortened form of a wish like '[I wish you a] happy journey'.
Did you know?
- In Czech culture, wishing someone a 'safe' journey using the word for security bezpečný can sound overly alarming, as if the traveler is heading into a dangerous war zone.
- While šťastnou cestu is used for departing, a traveler returning home is usually greeted with vítaný or vítaná meaning 'welcome', as Czechs rarely use 'safe travels' for the return leg of a trip.
- The word cestu shares a deep ancestral root with the English word 'way', though in Czech it more strongly emphasizes the active process of journeying.
Examples in context
- Martine, přeji ti hezkou cestu do Prahy!Martina, I wish you a nice journey to Prague!
- Šťastnou cestu, užij si dovolenou!Safe travels, enjoy your vacation!
Example conversation
Lucie is saying goodbye to Jan at the train station.
- LucieTady je tvůj lístek, Jane.Here is your ticket, Jan.
- JanDíky, Lucie. Už odjíždím.Thanks, Lucie. I'm leaving now.
- LucieŠťastnou cestu!Safe travels!
- JanDěkuji, uvidíme se brzy.Thank you, see you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry šťastnou cestu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
