How do you say Good luck in French?
The most common way to say “good luck” in French is Bonne chance !. Here are the main options, when to use each, and how to pronounce them.
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Bonne chance !
bun SHAHNSS
For things that depend on luck, or as a general send-off.
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Bon courage !
bohn koo-RAHZH
For something that takes effort — exams, a hard week, a move. Often more natural than bonne chance.
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Je croise les doigts !
zhuh krwahz lay DWAH
“I’m crossing my fingers (for you).”
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Merde !
mehrd
Between friends before an exam or a performance, like “break a leg”. It is a swear word, so only with people you know well.
Use it in a sentence
- Good luck with your exams!Bon courage pour tes examens !
- Good luck for tomorrow!Bonne chance pour demain !
- I wish you good luck.Je te souhaite bonne chance.
- Good luck with the move!Bon courage pour le déménagement !
Good to know
French speakers say bon courage far more than English speakers say “good luck” — to anyone facing something difficult or tedious.
What it is for takes pour: bonne chance pour ton entretien (good luck with your interview).