The Ultimate Guide: 10 Ways To Say 'Good Luck' In French That Go Beyond 'Bonne Chance'

Learning how to wish someone "good luck" in French is more nuanced than a simple translation. While *Bonne chance* is the literal and most common phrase, using it in the wrong context can subtly miss the mark, especially in situations demanding hard work rather than pure chance. As of today, December 15, 2025, mastering the distinction between *Bonne chance* and its crucial counterpart, *Bon courage*, is essential for any French language learner looking to sound like a native speaker and truly connect with the cultural context of encouragement. This guide delves into the authentic, idiomatic, and even superstitious ways the French express their wishes for success. The French language is rich with linguistic nuance, and the way you wish someone well depends entirely on the situation: is their success dependent on random external factors, or is it a matter of sheer effort and willpower? Understanding this subtle cultural difference is key to elevating your French from textbook phrases to conversational fluency.

The Critical Difference: Bonne Chance vs. Bon Courage

For French language learners, the biggest hurdle is knowing when to use *Bonne chance* and when to switch to *Bon courage*. These two phrases are often incorrectly used interchangeably, but they carry fundamentally different meanings based on the nature of the task at hand.

Bonne Chance (Good Luck)

This is the literal translation of "Good luck."

• Pronunciation: [bɔn ʃɑ̃s] (sounds like "bun shons")
• Meaning: It literally means "good luck" or "good chance."
• Context: Use *Bonne chance* when the outcome of the task is largely dependent on chance, fortune, or external factors that are outside the person's control.
• Examples:
  • Before a lottery drawing: *Bonne chance pour le tirage!* (Good luck for the draw!)
  • Before an exam where the questions are unpredictable: *Bonne chance pour ton examen!* (Good luck for your exam!)
  • Before a job interview where the decision rests with an unknown panel: *Bonne chance avec ton nouvel emploi!* (Good luck with your new job!)

Bon Courage (Good Courage / Strength)

This phrase is used to wish someone strength and resilience.

• Pronunciation: [bɔ̃ kuʁaʒ] (sounds like "bon coo-razh")
• Meaning: It translates literally to "good courage" but functions as "Hang in there," "Keep up the good work," or "I hope you have the strength to get through this."
• Context: Use *Bon courage* when wishing someone well for a task that requires significant effort, hard work, dedication, or is generally unpleasant or difficult, but whose success depends on their own actions and effort.
• Examples:
  • To a friend starting a long, difficult work shift: *Bon courage pour ta journée!* (Good courage for your day!)
  • To someone facing a tedious administrative task: *Bon courage avec la paperasse!* (Good courage with the paperwork!)
  • To someone moving heavy furniture: *Je déménage demain. — Bon courage!* (I'm moving tomorrow. — Hang in there!)

7 Alternative & Idiomatic Expressions for Success

While the core phrases cover most situations, French culture offers several other colorful and specific ways to wish someone well, ranging from formal well-wishes to theatrical slang. Mastering these will give you true topical authority.

1. Merde ! (The Theatrical Slang)
   • Meaning: Literally "Shit!" but used exclusively as a traditional, powerful way to wish an actor or performer good luck before a show.
   • Cultural Note: This tradition dates back to the days when horse-drawn carriages would drop off wealthy patrons at the theater. More droppings (*merde*) outside meant a full house, hence "Merde!" became a wish for a successful, well-attended performance. It is still widely used in informal contexts for any performance or presentation.
2. Je te souhaite de réussir (I wish you success)
   • Meaning: A more formal and explicit wish for a positive outcome.
   • Context: Used when you want to be very clear that you are wishing for success rather than just luck. This is great for professional or formal settings.
3. Bonne continuation (Good continuation)
   • Meaning: "Keep up the good work" or "I wish you well for the rest of your endeavor."
   • Context: Perfect for when someone is already in the middle of a long-term project or trip and you are parting ways. It wishes them well for the remainder of their task.
4. Que le succès soit avec toi (May success be with you)
   • Meaning: A dramatic, almost cinematic way to wish someone well.
   • Context: A slightly more poetic or grand expression, often used with a close friend or family member for a major life event.
5. Je croise les doigts (I'm crossing my fingers)
   • Meaning: This is a direct translation and is used exactly the same way as in English to indicate a hopeful wish for luck.
   • Context: An action and a phrase used to accompany a wish for luck.
6. Avoir du pot (To have luck)
   • Meaning: An informal, idiomatic expression that means "to be lucky." The phrase *Un coup de pot* means "a stroke of luck."
   • Context: Used in casual conversation, often to describe a lucky situation rather than to wish luck. *J'ai eu du pot!* (I was lucky!)
7. Je te dis merde (I tell you 'merde')
   • Meaning: A slightly more personal and informal way to use the theatrical slang, often reserved for close friends. *Merde à toi!* (Good luck to you!) is also common.

French Superstitions: The Cultural Context of Luck

In France, wishing for good fortune is deeply tied to a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs and superstitions. Understanding these adds another layer of depth to your command of the French language and culture.

Things That Bring Good Luck

• Ladybirds (*Coccinelles*): Seeing a ladybird fly away is considered a sign of good luck, and if one lands on you, it's believed to bring good weather or fortune.
• Spiders (*Araignées*): Unlike in some cultures, seeing a spider in the evening is thought to herald good luck.
• Left Foot Forward: If you step in dog waste, doing so with your left foot is bizarrely considered to bring good luck, whereas the right foot brings misfortune.
• Toasting Etiquette: Making eye contact while proposing a toast (*trinquer*) is not just polite; it is believed to ensure seven years of good fortune (and, traditionally, good sex life).

Things That Bring Bad Luck (To Avoid)

• Wishing a Happy Birthday Early: A common and important superstition is that wishing someone *Joyeux Anniversaire* before their actual birthday is considered tempting fate and will bring bad luck. Always wait until the day itself.
• The Number 13: Similar to many Western cultures, the number 13 (*treize*) is often associated with misfortune.
• Opening an Umbrella Indoors: This common global superstition is also prevalent in France.

By integrating phrases like *Bonne chance* and *Bon courage* with the cultural knowledge of *Merde!* and the various superstitions, you move beyond simple translation. You are demonstrating a profound respect for the French language and its accompanying culture, ensuring your well-wishes are always authentic, appropriate, and well-received by native speakers.