Bonne journée !

have a good day

Questions & Answers about Bonne journée !

What does Bonne journée ! literally mean?

Literally, it means good day, but in natural English it is usually used like Have a nice day!

French often leaves out words that English would include. So instead of a full sentence like I wish you a good day, French commonly just says Bonne journée !

Why is it bonne and not bon?

Because journée is a feminine noun.

In French, adjectives usually agree with the noun they describe:

• bon = masculine singular
• bonne = feminine singular

So:

• un bon jour would be masculine
• une bonne journée is feminine

Since the phrase uses journée, you need bonne.

Why is there no une? Why not une bonne journée?

In this kind of fixed expression, French usually leaves out the article.

So when making a wish, French commonly says:

• Bonne journée !
• Bonne soirée !
• Bon week-end !
• Bonne chance !

It is similar to how English says Good luck! rather than A good luck!