Bonne chance or Bon courage

Paul F.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Bonne chance or Bon courage

Would "Bon courage" be more appropriate here instead of "Bonne chance", because it's more like Good luck = encouragement, rather than Good luck = luck of the draw ? 

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Paul,

Actually I don’t agree as

Bonne Chance !

et

Bon Courage !

can both mean

‘Good Luck!’

In fact you would use them in a different way.

Bon Courage!

To someone when there is a hard task ahead and to say that things are going to be tough. In this context, it would be patronising.

The word courage in French is used for bravery as in -

Courage, mon brave! 

Or

stamina  and strength-

J’ai pas le courage de sortir le chien aujourd’hui=I don’t have the strength ( what it takes) to walk the dog today.

 

Paul F. asked:

Bonne chance or Bon courage

Would "Bon courage" be more appropriate here instead of "Bonne chance", because it's more like Good luck = encouragement, rather than Good luck = luck of the draw ? 

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