jó utat
[ˈjoːutɒt]
The English phrase "safe travels" is translated into Hungarian as jó utat.
jó utat is the standard and most common way to wish someone a safe or pleasant journey in Hungarian.
Meaning: bon voyage (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of jó (good) and utat (trip/way).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word út (way/road/trip) appears in the accusative case as utat because the phrase functions as an elliptical wish, effectively meaning "[I wish you a] good trip."
When do people say it?
When someone says jó utat to you, the most natural response is Köszönöm! (Thank you!).
Did you know?
- Hungarian is a non-Indo-European language, meaning jó utat has no linguistic connection to the Latin 'bon voyage' or the English 'safe travels' despite sharing the same meaning.
- If you are wishing someone a good journey via a specific mode of transport, such as a flight, you might hear people say Jó repülést! instead of the general jó utat.
- While jó utat is the standard farewell for travel, Hungarians use jó szórakozást specifically when the goal of the trip is leisure or entertainment.
Examples in context
- Vigyázz magadra! Utazásod legyen vidám és izgalmas!Take care of yourself! May your journey be joyful and exciting!
- Jó utat kívánok!I wish you a good trip!
- Jó utat nektek!Have a good trip, you guys!
Example conversation
Tamás is leaving for a trip at the airport.
- ZsófiaMár itt a repülőgép?Is the plane here already?
- TamásIgen, ideje mennem.Yes, it is time for me to go.
- ZsófiaOké, jó utat, Tamás!Okay, safe travels, Tamás!
- TamásKöszönöm szépen, Zsófia!Thank you very much, Zsófia!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry jó utat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
