A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Have a nice weekend" in French
The standard French way to wish someone a good weekend, used widely in professional and personal settings.
Bon week-end !
bohn wee-KENDneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when leaving someone on a Friday, or the day before a public holiday that falls on a Friday or Monday. It's a polite way to end an interaction before the weekend begins.
Alternatives
- Bonne fin de semaine !More common in Quebec, but understood in France.
- Passe un bon week-end !This is the 'tu' version, for someone you know well.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'week-end'
The 'd' at the end of 'week-end' is pronounced, unlike in English.
Forgetting the nasal sound
The 'on' in 'Bon' is a nasal vowel; don't pronounce the 'n' as a separate consonant.
A small cultural note
While 'week-end' is a direct borrowing from English, it's fully integrated into French and used universally.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do French people say bon week-end?
You say 'Bon week-end !' when parting ways with people on a Friday, or the day before a long weekend. It's a standard closing remark.
Is bon week-end formal or informal?
It's generally neutral and can be used in most settings. You might use the 'tu' form 'Passe un bon week-end !' with close friends.
What to say if it's not Friday?
If you're leaving someone on a Thursday and want to wish them well for the upcoming weekend, 'Bon week-end !' is still perfectly appropriate. You can also say 'Bonne soirée !' for the evening.
