How to Say Good Luck in French: Bonne Chance and Merde!
Good luck in French is bonne chance - but for exams and performances, French people say merde! instead, just like "break a leg" in English.
Good luck in French is bonne chance, pronounced /bun SHAHNS/. For exams, auditions or performances, French speakers often say merde ! instead - the equivalent of “break a leg” - because wishing luck directly is considered bad luck in theatrical tradition.
Quick answer
Good luck in French is bonne chance, pronounced /bun SHAHNS/. For exams, auditions or performances, French speakers often say merde! instead - the equivalent of “break a leg” - because wishing luck directly is considered bad luck in theatrical tradition.
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Bonne chance: the standard phrase
/bun SHAHNS/ - works with any preposition: bonne chance pour / avec + noun.
Merde !: the theatrical superstition
Said before exams, performances, and interviews instead of bonne chance, which some consider bad luck to say directly - echoing the English “break a leg” tradition. Folklore holds you shouldn’t say merci back - traditionally you spit or knock wood instead.
Occasion templates
| Occasion | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Exam | bonne chance pour ton examen |
| Job interview | bonne chance pour ton entretien |
| Performance | merde ! / je croise les doigts |
Bonus: je croise les doigts
Je croise les doigts (I’m crossing my fingers) is a universal, safe encouragement phrase that never risks the merde superstition.
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Questions about this note
Why do French people say merde for good luck?
Theatrical superstition, like the English "break a leg" - wishing luck directly is considered bad luck.
Should I reply merci to merde?
Traditionally no - folklore says to avoid thanking, similar to break-a-leg etiquette.
How do you say good luck with your exam?
Bonne chance pour ton examen !
What does je croise les doigts mean?
"I'm crossing my fingers" - a common encouragement phrase.
Is bonne chance formal or informal?
Neutral - works in most registers.