bon voyage
3 synonyms for bon voyage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Interjection — Said to someone setting off on a journey, wishing them a safe and pleasant trip.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bon voyage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bon voyage party
bon voyage card
wish someone bon voyage
Borrowed from French and fully at home in English, though it can sound slightly grand for a short journey.
Etymology
French, literally good journey.
Full origin of bon voyage →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between bon voyage and au revoir?
Bon voyage wishes someone a good journey and is only used when they are travelling. Au revoir simply means goodbye, or literally until we see each other again, and works in any parting.
Is bon voyage still used in English?
Yes. It is a long-established loan phrase that appears on greetings cards, at send-off parties and in speech, though many people now prefer the plainer safe travels.
