Learning French - when to use belle journée vs bonne journée

Thought you had just understood the difference between bonjour and bonne journée? Let us introduce you to belle journée. 

This phrase is simply used to say goodbye, however it has received backlash from some French speakers who find it very irritating. Though it is gaining popularity, it is not commonly used.

Bonne journée 

The everyday French phrase, bonne journée, literally means: have a nice day.

It is a polite way to say goodbye and is used much like other phrases such as, bon weekend or bon voyage.

Read more: Understanding 'Bonne Journée': usage and meaning in everyday French

Belle journée 

In recent years, belle journée has gained popularity as an alternative to the classic phrase. It literally means: beautiful day, or, have a lovely day. 

France's official moderator of French linguistics, suggests that this “linguistic tic” stems from the exclamation, Quelle belle journee ! (What a beautiful day!)

Read also: Different ways to say hello in French

The difference between bonne and belle 

Belle journée is not any more formal than bonne journée, and can be used in all the same contexts, with friends and strangers. Some would simply argue that on the ‘kindness scale’, belle ranks higher than bonne. 

However, this distinction has irritated some French people, who believe that belle journée is a useless, silly phrase, uttered by hipster, ‘bobo’ Parisens.

A Figaro article highlights a similar debate between bonne and belle année. It teases that, considering the speed of language evolution, we will soon be hearing: “merveilleuse journée, jolie journée, douce journée” (marvelous day, pretty day, gentle day). 

Continuing the bonne vs belle debate, Linda Giguère, a journalist at TV5 Monde, compared France to the “country of Carebears,” stating, “We are faced with a phenomenon of emphasis, of linguistic exaggeration.”

So, if you decide to try out this extra nice phrase, beware that you may encounter some people who will not have heard it before and others who are belle journée haters.

Read also: Pain au chocolat or chocolatine? The definitive map 

When journée becomes soirée 

Whether bonne or belle, it is important to remember that at some time between 4pm and 6pm, journée will change to soirée. This is to wish somebody a good evening, rather than a good day. 

The exact moment of transition is debated across France, since there is no clear division between day and evening.

To break things down even further:

• Bonne journée - Have a nice day (before evening)

• Bonne après-midi - Have a nice afternoon (after midday)

• Bonne soirée - Have a nice evening (after 4-6pm)

• Bonne nuit - Good night (bedtime)