Introduction:

Spanish is a Romance language that originated in the Iberian Peninsula of Europe. Today, it is a global language with nearly 500 million native speakers, mainly in Spain and the Americas. It is the world’s second-most spoken native language after Mandarin Chinese,and the world’s fourth-most spoken language overall after English, Mandarin Chinese, and Hindi.

As a Romance language, Spanish is a descendant of Latin and has one of the smaller degrees of difference from it (about 20%) alongside Sardinian and Italian.Around 75% of modern Spanish vocabulary is derived from Latin, including Latin borrowings from Ancient Greek. The abundance of Classical Greek words (Hellenisms) directly and indirectly incorporated in the Spanish language have notably influenced the vocabulary of elemental areas like nature, science, politics, literature, philosophy, arts, music, etc.

If you’re learning Spanish, at some point, you’ll need to know some expressions to wish others good luck. Although these types of phrases are very common in daily situations, most people don’t know what phrases to use or how to apply them. As a result, they wonder how to wish good luck in Spanish. 

Learning some expressions to acknowledge or wish someone luck are certainly good additions to your growing Spanish vocabulary.

Here are some common and standard expressions to wish good luck in Spanish which can be used in different maneer. 

1. Buena suerte – Good luck 

Buena suerte is the direct translation of ‘good luck’, hence, it’s probably the most common way to wish someone good luck in Spanish. Additionally, this standard expression can be used in any Spanish speaking country in both formal and informal situations. 

Depending on the context, ‘buena suerte’ can be used alone or, for clarity purposes, you can mention the thing or the situation for which you’re wishing good luck. 

Here are some examples :

• ¿Ya te vas? ¡Buena suerte! Échale ganas

            Are you leaving now? Good luck! Do your best

• Buena suerte mañana, me cuentas cómo te va

            Good luck tomorrow, let me know how things go 

2. Éxito – Best of luck

Although éxito is the direct translation of ‘success’, in Spanish, we use this word as a way to wish good luck. ‘Éxito’ expresses a stronger and deeper feeling than ‘buena suerte’ because even though you’re wishing good luck, you’re also implying that you want this person to be successful in a particular task or situation. As a result, it’s translated as ‘best of luck’. 

‘Éxito’ is slightly more formal and intense than ‘buena suerte’, therefore, it tends to be more common when wishing luck for a challenging or very important situation.  

• ¡Éxito en tu nuevo trabajo! Échale muchas ganas

            Best of luck with your new job! Do your best!

3. Suerte – Good luck

If you want to learn how to say good luck in Spanish in a more casual way, suerte may be the best option for you. As you may imagine, ‘suerte’ is a shortened version of ‘buena suerte’. However, it’s still a popular and standard way to wish good luck in Spanish. 

Since it’s slightly more casual, ‘suerte’ is commonly used in informal situations. 

• Te deseo muy buena suerte, cuídate

            I wish you good luck, take care of yourself

4. ¡Qué te vaya bien! – Good luck

When it comes to conversational Spanish, ¡que te vaya bien! is a popular and casual expression that people use to wish good luck. As a result, in this context, ‘¡que te vaya bien!’ is one of the direct translations of ‘good luck’. 

• ¡Que te vaya bien en tu reunión, papá!

            Good luck with your meeting, dad!

5. La mejor de las suertes – Best of luck

La mejor de las suertes is the direct translation of ‘best of luck’. As a result, this expression is a common and standard way to wish someone good luck in Spanish. Even though it’s a standard term, ‘la mejor de las suertes’ is less popular than ‘buena suerte’ or ‘suerte’. Using this expression instead of the others will be based on your personal preferences. 

• Sólo quería desearte la mejor de las suertes en México

            I just wanted to wish you the best of luck in Mexico

6. Cruzar los dedos – Fingers crossed 

Cruzar los dedos is an expression and action that Spanish speakers use as a way to wish good luck. This expression is mostly applied when someone is waiting for a good thing to happen. Generally speaking, ‘cruzar los dedos’ is used with people that we’re close to such as friends and relatives. 

• Ojalá que te den este trabajo, ¡cruzaré los dedos! 

           I hope you get that job, fingers crossed! 

7. Que te salga bien. (I hope it goes well.)

This is another expression that applies to situations where someone has undertaken an activity that does not automatically come with assured success.

8. ¡Dale duro! (Hit it hard!)

Thinking of heading to the beautiful country of Puerto Rico? Then, you will likely hear this regional idiom that not only wishes someone good luck but encourages them to do their very best!