Meaning
Wishing someone a safe and pleasant journey.
Cultural Background
Saying 'Drum bun' is often accompanied by a handshake or a hug. It is considered slightly rude to let someone leave a long distance without saying it. In villages, elders might add 'Să te ajute Dumnezeu' (May God help you) after saying 'Drum bun', reflecting the historical dangers of travel. For Romanians living abroad, 'Drum bun' is a very emotional phrase used when visiting family back home and then leaving again. The phrase is immortalized in the song 'Drum bun, toba bate', a march from the 1877 Independence War, symbolizing the 'road' to victory.
The 'Safe' Choice
If you aren't sure how to say goodbye to a traveler, 'Drum bun' is always correct and never offensive.
Arrival Error
Never say 'Drum bun' to someone who just walked through your door. It sounds like you're kicking them out!
Meaning
Wishing someone a safe and pleasant journey.
The 'Safe' Choice
If you aren't sure how to say goodbye to a traveler, 'Drum bun' is always correct and never offensive.
Arrival Error
Never say 'Drum bun' to someone who just walked through your door. It sounds like you're kicking them out!
Social Media
It's the most common comment on travel photos. Use it to sound like a native on Instagram.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Prietenul tău pleacă la aeroport. Tu îi spui: '________!'
Since the friend is leaving for the airport, 'Drum bun' is the correct travel wish.
Which word order is correct?
How do you say 'Have a good trip' in Romanian?
In this fixed expression, the noun 'drum' comes before the adjective 'bun'.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
1. Someone arrives at your house. 2. Someone leaves for a trip. 3. Someone is celebrating a birthday.
Bine ai venit is for arrivals, Drum bun for departures, and La mulți ani for birthdays.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
Maria: 'Am biletul de tren, plec acum.' Ion: '________! Să ne auzim cu bine.'
Ion is responding to Maria's departure by train.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Drum Bun
Transport
- • Car
- • Train
- • Plane
- • Bus
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPrietenul tău pleacă la aeroport. Tu îi spui: '________!'
Since the friend is leaving for the airport, 'Drum bun' is the correct travel wish.
How do you say 'Have a good trip' in Romanian?
In this fixed expression, the noun 'drum' comes before the adjective 'bun'.
1. Someone arrives at your house. 2. Someone leaves for a trip. 3. Someone is celebrating a birthday.
Bine ai venit is for arrivals, Drum bun for departures, and La mulți ani for birthdays.
Maria: 'Am biletul de tren, plec acum.' Ion: '________! Să ne auzim cu bine.'
Ion is responding to Maria's departure by train.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, the phrase is fixed and does not change for plural subjects.
It is neutral. You can say it to your boss or your best friend.
'Drum bun' is more common and casual; 'Călătorie plăcută' is more formal, like 'Have a pleasant journey'.
Usually no, unless they are walking a very long distance (like a hike).
No, 'Drum bun!' on its own is a complete and perfect sentence.
Yes, usually 'Mulțumesc!' (Thank you).
Yes, it is very common in literature to mark a character's departure.
Yes, you can say 'Drum bun și ție!' (Good road to you too!).
Yes, it's a nice way to end an email to someone going on a trip.
No, you wouldn't wish someone a 'bad road' unless you were being very mean!
Related Phrases
Călătorie plăcută
synonymPleasant journey
Zbor liniștit
specialized formSmooth flight
Să ajungi cu bine
similarMay you arrive well
Bine ai venit
contrastWelcome
Drum neted
similarSmooth road
