Signification
Wishing success for a journey.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often the last thing said before someone physically crosses the threshold of their home to leave. While secular, the phrase is often used by religious people as a softer alternative to 'С богом' (With God). In Russian startups, this phrase is sometimes used during 'launch' events to add a sense of tradition and gravity. Classic Russian writers like Pushkin and Tolstoy used this phrase to signal a turning point in a character's life.
The 'Threshold' Rule
Say it exactly when the person is about to leave or start. Timing is everything with this phrase!
Sincerity Matters
When you say this, look the person in the eye. It's a warm, soulful wish, not a casual 'bye'.
Signification
Wishing success for a journey.
The 'Threshold' Rule
Say it exactly when the person is about to leave or start. Timing is everything with this phrase!
Sincerity Matters
When you say this, look the person in the eye. It's a warm, soulful wish, not a casual 'bye'.
Not for Birthdays
Don't use this for birthdays or holidays. Use 'С днём рождения' or 'С праздником' instead.
Pairing
It sounds very natural when paired with 'Ну' (Well). 'Ну, в добрый час!'
Teste-toi
Match the situation with the most appropriate use of 'В добрый час'.
1. Friend is getting on a plane. 2. Colleague finished a report. 3. Sister is starting her first day of medical school.
It is used for the *start* of a journey or a major life event, not for finishing a task like a report.
Complete the sentence.
Ты начинаешь новый проект? Ну, в ... час!
The idiom is fixed: 'в добрый час'.
Choose the best response.
— Я завтра уезжаю в кругосветное путешествие! — ...
This is the perfect blessing for someone starting a long journey.
Which case is used in the phrase 'В добрый час'?
В добрый час
Even though it looks like Prepositional, it's a fossilized Accusative of time/direction.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Luck Phrases Comparison
Banque d exercices
4 exercices1. Friend is getting on a plane. 2. Colleague finished a report. 3. Sister is starting her first day of medical school.
It is used for the *start* of a journey or a major life event, not for finishing a task like a report.
Ты начинаешь новый проект? Ну, в ... час!
The idiom is fixed: 'в добрый час'.
— Я завтра уезжаю в кругосветное путешествие! — ...
This is the perfect blessing for someone starting a long journey.
В добрый час
Even though it looks like Prepositional, it's a fossilized Accusative of time/direction.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot strictly. While it has spiritual roots, it is used by everyone in Russia today, regardless of their faith.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for a professional setting when a boss is starting a new project or leaving for a trip.
'Удачи' is 'Good luck' (casual). 'В добрый час' is more like 'Godspeed' or 'Blessings on your start' (more traditional and warm).
It's better to use 'Ни пуха ни пера' for exams. 'В добрый час' is for longer journeys or life changes.
Yes, though perhaps less frequently than 'Удачи'. It is often used by young people when they want to sound more sincere or heartfelt.
A simple 'Спасибо!' (Thank you!) is the best response.
No, it is a wish directed at *others*. You wouldn't say it to yourself.
No, in this idiom, 'час' means 'time' or 'moment' in a more general sense.
Absolutely! It's a very common way to end a supportive text.
'Добрый' in older Russian meant 'good/fitting/brave', which fits the context of a blessing better than the modern 'хороший'.
Expressions liées
Счастливого пути
similarHappy journey
С богом
similarWith God
Удачи
synonymGood luck
Ни пуха ни пера
specialized formBreak a leg
В добрый путь
similarOn a good path
