Published May 23, 2022 • Updated August 9, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Bonne chance meaning
Bonne chance is a French interjection meaning “good luck”. For example, “Bonne chance pour ton examen !” (Good luck on your exam!) and “Bonne chance avec ton nouveau travail !” (Good luck with your new job!).
Bonne chance pronunciation
The IPA pronunciation of bonne chance is /bɔn ʃɑ̃s/, which sounds approximately like “bun shahns.”
Example Sentences
Bonne chance avec ton nouveau travail.
Good luck with your new job.
Bonne chance pour ton examen.
Good luck on your exam.
Bonne chance dans ton nouveau poste.
Good luck in your new job position.
Je te souhaite bonne chance.
I wish you good luck. (familiar)
Je vous souhaite bonne chance.
I wish you good luck. (formal or plural)
More expressions for good luck
Here are some more ways to express “good luck” in French.
Bon courage !
The French are crazy about the word courage, which translates to courage, bravery, fortitude and strength.
Bonne continuation !
“Bonne continuation !” is another common expression for “good luck” that you’ll hear in the French-speaking world.
Meilleurs vœux
The expression meilleurs vœux translates to “best wishes”. This expression is often used during the holiday season.
Merde !
The word merde translates to “sh*t”. However, “Merde !” is a slang expression for wishing somebody “good luck”. This expression equates to the English expression “Break a leg!”.
Croiser les doigts
The expression croiser les doigts equates to the same English expression and superstition “to cross your fingers”.
Toucher du bois
Toucher du bois equates to the English expression, “touch wood” or “knock on wood”. It is an expression of good luck. Specifically, the French say, “Je touche du bois”, literally “I touch some wood.”
Que + subjunctive
Que le voyage se passe bien !
May the trip go well!
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