walk good
The English phrase "safe travels" is expressed in Jamaican as walk good.
walk good is used as a parting wish to ensure that someone reaches their destination safely.
Meaning: bon voyage (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "walk well".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
walk good is a colloquial expression rooted in Jamaican Patois.
When do people say it?
When someone says walk good to you, it is common to respond by repeating the same phrase back to them.
Did you know?
- In Jamaican Patois, the word walk can be used to describe any form of movement, meaning walk good is said even if the person is leaving by car, plane or boat.
- While walk good is used for any journey, it carries a deeper spiritual connotation of wishing that a person's path in life remains righteous and protected from harm.
- The phrase functions as a social lubricant in Jamaican culture, where failing to offer a parting blessing like walk good can be seen as abrupt or even rude.
Examples in context
- Walk good, mi bredda.Safe travels, my brother.
- Walk good pon yuh journey.Safe travels on your journey.
- Mi a go depart now, walk good.I am leaving now, safe travels.
Example conversation
Kevon is seeing Shanice off at the bus station.
- KevonYuh reach de station yet?Have you reached the station yet?
- ShaniceYeah, de bus a come now.Yes, the bus is coming now.
- KevonAlright den, walk good, Shanice.Alright then, safe travels, Shanice.
- ShaniceRespect, Kevon. Mi link yuh later.Respect, Kevon. I will contact you later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry walk good, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
