A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Have a good day" in French
The standard French way to wish someone a good day, used when parting.
Bonne journée !
bun zhoor-NAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're leaving someone for the day, like when you finish work or leave a shop. It's a polite way to end an interaction.
Alternatives
- Bon après-midi !Use this specifically in the afternoon.
- Bonne soirée !Use this when it's evening and you're parting.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'n' in 'bonne'
The 'n' in 'bonne' is not nasalized like in English; it's a clear 'n' sound.
Forgetting the 'e' in 'journée'
The final 'e' is pronounced, making it 'zhoor-NAY', not 'zhoor-NA'.
A small cultural note
While 'Bonne journée' is standard, some people might find it a bit formal if you're very close friends and parting for a short while.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I say Bonne journée vs Bonne soirée?
Use 'Bonne journée' for the daytime, typically before 6 PM. Switch to 'Bonne soirée' for the evening.
Is Bonne journée too formal for friends?
It's generally fine, but if you're parting for just an hour, a more casual 'À plus!' might be more common among close friends.
Do I need to say Bonne journée to everyone?
It's a polite gesture when leaving, especially in shops or professional settings. You don't necessarily need it for someone you'll see again in five minutes.
How do you wish someone a good day in French?
The most common way to say "have a good day" in French is "Bonne journée." This is a versatile phrase suitable for most situations.
What does "bonne journée" literally mean?
The phrase "bonne journée" literally translates to "good day" in English. "Bonne" means good, and "journée" means day.
How do you say "have a good day" in French formally?
The standard phrase "Bonne journée" is appropriate for both formal and informal situations. You can use it when addressing strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
How do you say "have a good day" in French informally?
The phrase "Bonne journée" is also perfectly fine for informal settings among friends and family. There isn't a significantly different informal version commonly used.
