Learning French: what does bonne continuation mean and when should it be used?
This is a handy everyday phrase to know and can be used in many situations, including at mealtimes
A waiter may tell you bonne continuation after setting your main course in front of you
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Bonne continuation is a handy term to know and you are sure to hear it in France, often being used to say goodbye or good luck.
The phrase may also be uttered by a waiter who has just brought you your dish to say, “keep enjoying your meal.”
What does bonne continuation mean?
Similarly to English, continuation could be defined as: continuing what has been started so it literally means ‘good continuation’. It is most commonly used to signal the end of an interaction and express best wishes for future activities, when you do not expect to see the other person in the foreseeable future.
It can also be used as encouragement, as if to say, ‘keep it up!’
Bonne continuation can even pop up in a similar way to phrases such as, bonne vacances, meaning, ‘have a good holiday.’
Read also: Understanding 'Bonne Journée': usage and meaning in everyday French
When do you say bonne continuation?
The term can be used in written and spoken French, in both everyday and professional settings.
In a professional context you might use bonne continuation with a colleague who is retiring or to wish an intern good luck on their last day.
You might also see bonne continuation when signing off an email.
Formal alternatives could include:
Tous mes vœux de réussite, meaning, Wishing you every success.
Bon courage pour la suite, meaning, Best of luck for what is to come.
Je vous souhaite le meilleur, meaning, I wish you the best.
Bonne continuation could also appear in more informal settings, to say goodbye to a friend before the summer holidays or to a family member who is returning to continue their studies.
Informal alternatives could include:
Profite bien, meaning, Have a good time.
À la prochaine, meaning, See you next time.
Bonne chance, meaning, Good luck.
Read also: Discover not so appetising origins of the French saying ‘bon appétit’
To whom do you say bonne continuation?
Bonne continuation is a term of politeness which is just as frequently used between colleagues and strangers to end an interaction. It is most often used when you do not expect to see the other person again, or at least for an extended period of time.
Read also: Mastering French etiquette: essential tips for politeness and cultural integration
