A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Good luck" in Spanish
Learn how to wish someone well in Spanish with this essential phrase for exams, job interviews, or any upcoming challenge.
¡Buena suerte!
BWEH-nah SWER-tehneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone is about to face a difficult task or a new experience. It is perfect for wishing a friend well before a big presentation, a sports match, or a long-awaited audition.
Alternatives
- ¡Que te vaya bien!Use this when wishing someone a good outcome for a specific trip or event.
- ¡Mucho éxito!Choose this for professional contexts like business meetings or exams.
- ¡Éxitos!Common in Latin America to wish someone success in their endeavors.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'buen suerte'
Suerte is feminine, so you must use the feminine adjective buena instead of buen.
Avoid literal translations
Do not try to translate 'good luck' word-for-word if you are trying to say 'have a good day,' as that requires a different phrase.
A small cultural note
In some Spanish-speaking cultures, wishing someone good luck is sometimes seen as superstitious, so people might prefer to say '¡Que te vaya bien!' (may it go well for you) instead.
Frequently asked
How do I reply when someone tells me buena suerte?
The most natural response is simply to say 'Gracias' or 'Muchas gracias.' You can also add 'Igualmente' if you want to wish them luck in return.
Can I use buena suerte in a text message?
Yes, it is very common in texts and social media messages. It is a friendly and supportive way to show you are thinking of the other person.
Is there a difference between buena suerte and mucha suerte?
They are almost identical in meaning, though 'mucha suerte' literally translates to 'much luck.' Both are perfectly acceptable and interchangeable in conversation.
How to wish good luck in Spanish?
The most common way to wish someone good luck in Spanish is '¡Buena suerte!' You can also say '¡Mucha suerte!' for 'Lots of luck!'
How do you say good luck in Mexico?
In Mexico, as in most Spanish-speaking countries, '¡Buena suerte!' is the standard way to say good luck. You might also hear '¡Que te vaya bien!' which means 'May it go well for you!'
Does 'buena suerte' mean?
'Buena suerte' directly translates to 'good luck' in English. It is the most widely used phrase for wishing someone well.
Spanish for good luck and success
To wish someone good luck and success, you can say '¡Buena suerte y éxito!' or '¡Mucha suerte y que te vaya bien!'
