Learning French - what does bonne journée mean and when to use it?
It works in many contexts but its direct equivalent has largely fallen out of use in modern English
Bonne journée is used to say to say goodbye and to signal the end of an interaction
The Connexion
Bonne journée is a very common term in French that can be used to end an interaction with a stranger or even a loved one, but its direct equivalent has largely fallen out of use in modern English. We look at how to use it correctly in everyday French.
What does bonne journée mean?
Bonne journée literally means ‘good day’.
It is used to say to say goodbye and to signal the end of an interaction.
When used as part of a wider phrase such as ‘passe une bonne journée’ it means ‘have a good day.’
It can also be used in a question.
When do you say bonne journée?
As a rule of thumb, only use bonne journée in spoken French, not in letters and emails.
Use it before mid-afternoon. At mid-afternoon, people tend to say bonne fin d'apres-midi, followed by bonne soirée, good evening, at the start of evening.
Before bedtime, people say bonne nuit, or goodnight, although this is not used between strangers.
To whom do you say bonne journée?
Bonne journée is neutral language.
It is just as frequently used between strangers to end an interaction, as it is in family situations.
When saying it to someone in formal situations (public places, talking to strangers and professionals) you should add their title:
