bon retour à la maison
The English phrase "welcome back home" is translated into French as bon retour à la maison.
bon retour à la maison is used specifically when someone has returned to their own place of residence, rather than simply returning to a city or a country.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good return to the house".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the masculine adjective bon because it modifies the masculine noun retour.
Did you know?
- The word maison shares an ancestor with the English word 'mansion', but while 'mansion' evolved to mean a grand estate, the French word remained the everyday term for a simple house.
- In French culture, the gesture of welcoming someone back often involves la bise, which is a light kiss on both cheeks.
- French uses bon retour for many types of homecomings, but it is also used as a parting wish to tell someone 'have a safe trip back'.
Examples in context
- Monsieur Dupont, bienvenue chez vous. Nous sommes ravis de vous voir de retour.Mr. Dupont, welcome back home. We are delighted to see you back.
- Salut Marie, content de te revoir à la maison ! Comment s'est passé ton voyage ?Hi Marie, glad to see you back at home! How was your trip?
- Bon retour à la maison, mon chéri.Welcome back home, my darling.
- Bon retour à la maison à tous !Welcome back home to everyone!
Example conversation
Lucas arrives home after a business trip and Emma greets him.
- EmmaBon retour à la maison, Lucas !Welcome back home, Lucas!
- LucasMerci Emma, je suis tellement content d'être là.Thank you Emma, I am so happy to be here.
- EmmaTu as passé un bon voyage ?Did you have a good trip?
- LucasOui, c'était très agréable.Yes, it was very pleasant.
