Meaning of the Word
Bon voyage is a French phrase that translates to “have a good trip” or “safe journey.” It is commonly used to wish someone a pleasant and safe journey, especially when they are about to travel.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Bon voyage (noun): A phrase used to wish someone a pleasant and enjoyable journey or trip.
- Bon voyage (expression): A polite or friendly wish for safe travel, often used when someone is leaving for a trip.
History and Origin
The phrase “bon voyage” comes from the French language, where “bon” means “good” and “voyage” means “journey” or “trip.” It has been used in French-speaking cultures for centuries to wish people well before they embark on a journey. Over time, the expression was adopted into English and other languages as a polite and friendly way to wish someone a safe or pleasant trip. Its usage became widespread, especially in the context of international travel.
Detailed Explanation
Bon voyage is a well-wishing phrase often used to bid farewell to someone who is about to embark on a journey. It expresses a desire that the trip be enjoyable, free from trouble, and successful. While it is a French phrase, it is used in many English-speaking countries, especially in the context of traveling abroad. The phrase carries a warm and positive connotation, implying that the traveler should have a pleasant and smooth experience.
Although it originated in France, bon voyage is now common in global travel contexts, used in both casual and formal situations. It may be said to a friend leaving for vacation, to someone departing on a business trip, or even when someone is going on a long journey.
Example Sentences
- I’ll miss you! Bon voyage and have a great time in Paris.
- Everyone gathered at the airport to say bon voyage to their friends heading abroad.
- We waved goodbye and shouted, “Bon voyage!” as they boarded the plane.
- Enjoy your vacation, bon voyage, and don’t forget to send postcards!
- As she left for her European adventure, her colleagues wished her a heartfelt “bon voyage.”
- The guide gave everyone a bon voyage before they left for the trekking expedition.
- After the farewell speech, the host raised a glass and said, “Bon voyage to all our travelers!”
- My parents always say bon voyage whenever I go on a long trip.
- The travel agency sent a card with a bon voyage message before our trip to Italy.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Safe travels: A common phrase used to wish someone a safe and pleasant journey, similar to bon voyage.
- Happy journey: Another way to wish someone an enjoyable trip, equivalent to bon voyage.
- Have a good trip: A more informal way to wish someone well before they travel.
- Safe trip: Used to wish someone a journey free from harm or trouble.
- Godspeed: A more traditional expression that wishes someone success and safety on their journey.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Travel: The act of journeying from one place to another, often the context in which bon voyage is used.
- Journey: A trip or voyage, often the object of the good wishes expressed by bon voyage.
- Vacation: A period of time spent away from home, often when people say bon voyage.
- Expedition: A journey with a specific purpose, often related to exploration or adventure.
- Departure: The act of leaving a place, which is typically the moment when someone is wished bon voyage.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Bon appétit: A French expression wishing someone an enjoyable meal, similar in use to bon voyage but related to food.
- Farewell: A general term for saying goodbye, which can also be used in a similar context to bon voyage.
- Adieu: A French word for goodbye, though more formal and permanent compared to bon voyage.
- Good luck: Often said to someone embarking on a journey, similar in sentiment to bon voyage.
- Take care: A way of wishing someone well when they are leaving, often said in a casual context.
Antonyms
- Welcome home: Said to someone returning from a trip, the opposite of wishing someone bon voyage.
- Good riddance: A negative expression used to show relief when someone leaves, the opposite sentiment to bon voyage.
- See you soon: A phrase indicating that someone is not going far, unlike bon voyage, which implies a longer journey.
- Stay safe: While bon voyage wishes for enjoyment, stay safe focuses on safety, often said to someone returning from a trip.
- Don’t go: A request for someone to stay, in contrast to wishing them bon voyage for their departure.
