A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Good luck" in French
The essential French phrase for wishing someone good luck before an event, exam, or challenge.
Bonne chance !
bun SHAWNSneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when a friend or acquaintance is about to take a test, go for a job interview, or face any kind of challenge. It's a common way to show support and encouragement.
Alternatives
- Je croise les doigts !More informal, literally 'I'm crossing my fingers!'
- Bon courage !Used more for difficult tasks or ongoing struggles, meaning 'hang in there'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'chance'
The 'ch' is like 'sh' in 'shoe', and the 'an' is a nasal sound, not like 'chance' in English.
Gender of 'chance'
'Chance' is feminine, so it's 'bonne chance', not 'bon chance'.
A small cultural note
While 'Bonne chance !' is universal, some might say 'Merde !' (literally 'shit!') in theatrical or performance contexts, but this is very informal and not for general use.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say good luck in French for an exam?
Use 'Bonne chance !' before the exam. You can also add 'J'espère que ça va bien se passer' (I hope it goes well).
Is 'Bonne chance' formal or informal?
'Bonne chance' is generally neutral and can be used in most situations. For very close friends, you might use something more casual.
What's the difference between Bonne chance and Bon courage?
'Bonne chance' is for a specific event or outcome, while 'Bon courage' is for enduring a difficult or lengthy situation.
What do the French say instead of good luck?
The most common way to say "good luck" in French is "Bonne chance." You can also use "Bon courage" when someone is facing a difficult task.
Is it a bonne chance or a bon chance?
The correct phrase is "Bonne chance." "Chance" is a feminine noun in French, so it takes the feminine adjective "bonne."
How do you say "I wish you well" in French?
You can say "Je vous souhaite bonne chance" which translates to "I wish you good luck." A more general way to wish someone well is "Je vous souhaite le meilleur."
