bon voyage

USAGE SUMMARY

"bon voyage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a traditional phrase to wish someone a safe and enjoyable journey as they start a new adventure. For example, you might say, "Bon voyage, and enjoy your travels!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bon voyage!

Stanford University

Salut et bon voyage.

The New York Times

"Bon voyage, Lustgarten".

The New Yorker

Bon voyage, indeed.

The Guardian - Arts

Bon Voyage, Anand! December 2016.

Stanford University

"Bon voyage!" we said to them.

The New Yorker

Bon voyage, Tayaut, my best of breed!

The New Yorker

"Bon Voi Yah Gee! Bon Voi Yah Gee!" Bon voyage.

The New Yorker

Shorter Itineraries Bon voyage lengthy cruises and tours.

The New York Times - Travel

Bon Voyage to the 2014 Kelly Douglas Summer Travel Fellows!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bon Voyage to Eilon! Emily defended her thesis!

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bon voyage" when you want to add a touch of sophistication or cultural flair to your farewell, especially when addressing someone embarking on a significant journey.

Common error

Avoid using "bon voyage" in extremely casual or informal settings where a simpler "have a good trip" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bon voyage" functions primarily as an interjection, used to express good wishes to someone who is about to embark on a journey. Examples from Ludwig confirm its use as a send-off.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bon voyage" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to wish someone a pleasant journey. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While "bon voyage" is widely understood, it's best suited for neutral to slightly formal settings. Its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and academic publications indicates its continued relevance and appropriate usage. For less formal settings, consider alternatives such as "have a good trip" or "safe travels".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a good trip

A common and versatile expression for wishing someone a pleasant journey, less formal than "bon voyage".

safe travels

Focuses on safety during the journey, suitable for various contexts.

have a safe journey

Similar to "safe travels" but slightly more formal.

enjoy your trip

Emphasizes enjoyment of the travel experience.

wishing you well on your journey

A more elaborate and heartfelt expression of good wishes.

Godspeed

An archaic expression wishing divine favor on someone's journey.

farewell

A formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying goodbye and wishing someone well.

have a blast

An informal expression wishing someone a fun and exciting trip.

smooth sailing

Wishes for an easy and uncomplicated journey, often used metaphorically.

see you when you get back

An informal and casual way of saying goodbye, acknowledging the person's return.

FAQs

How do you properly use "bon voyage" in a sentence?

You can use "bon voyage" as a standalone expression when someone is leaving, or include it in a longer sentence, such as, "I wanted to say "bon voyage" before you leave for Europe!"

What's the difference between "bon voyage" and "have a good trip"?

"Bon voyage" is a French phrase that adds a touch of elegance, while "have a good trip" is a more common and universally understood expression. They both convey the same sentiment of wishing someone well on their travels.

Are there any situations where it's inappropriate to say "bon voyage"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "bon voyage" in very informal settings or with people who might not understand the French phrase. In such cases, a simple "have a good trip" or "safe travels" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to saying "bon voyage"?

If you're looking for alternatives, you can use phrases like "have a safe journey", "safe travels", or simply "have a good trip" depending on the context.