201 Ways To Say Good Luck

If you are looking for new ways to say ‘good luck,’ you have come to the right place! Most formal and casual wishing phrases convey a positive feeling to another individual. Of course, we don’t have control over luck, but wishing someone a heartfelt ‘good luck’ when they need some additional encouragement and care, is a gesture of goodwill and caring. Good luck may come in unexpected ways, whether it be through a fortunate fluke, a stroke of fortuity, or the guiding hand of providence.

Ehab Youssef, a professional Psychologist says, “I’ve seen firsthand how a simple, well-timed message of encouragement can completely shift someone’s mindset. Whether it’s a student facing an exam, an athlete preparing for a big game, or a client struggling with self-doubt at work, personalized good luck messages can be a powerful psychological boost.”

Good luck is a common expression to show that you hope for the best for a person. These well-wishes are always welcomed and appreciated. However, one thing that you have to keep in mind is to select a good luck message according to the occasion and the relationship with the recipient. Be it an exam, job interview, or competition, choosing a good luck message that aligns with the context and specific situation is the key. Do you want to express the same thoughts in a more engaging and lively manner? Don’t worry. We have got all you need to know right here. This article discusses some of the best ways to wish someone you care about good luck. Keep scrolling!

Ways To Say Good Luck

Ehab says, “When a message is personalized, it shows that someone genuinely believes in you. One of my clients was dealing with imposter syndrome before a big job interview. A quick message from his mentor reminding him of his strengths and past achievements helped him walk in with confidence instead of self-doubt. It’s not just about luck; it’s about reinforcing a person’s belief in their own abilities.”

1. May the force be with you!
2. Godspeed, friend!

3. May God bless you – because you deserve it.
4. Everything will work out just fine, I am sure of it.
5. Best wishes. May this be a stroke of luck and a happy chance that leads to all the success you deserve.
6. Go, blow them away!
7. All the very best to you.
8. Live super long and prosper!
9. You were made for this. You got it!

Quick Tip

While wishing on text, send relevant and funny GIFs and memes with your message. This will help cheer up the other person and also ease their nerves a bit.

10. May the forces of evil be nowhere near your path to success.
11. Buona fortuna! (‘Good fortune’ in Italian.)
12. Bring the trophy home!
13. Go forth and conquer, young man/ woman.
14. Be a Viking!
15. Go get them, tiger!
16. I Wish You Good Luck, Rock on!
17. Go, make a difference!
18. There is a 50-50 chance that you will succeed, and I am rooting for the positive 50.

19. As you go forward, always remember that I am your biggest fan. Kismet has brought us together, and I hope it brings you serendipity in all your endeavors.
20. Find your fortune.

21. May luck be in your favor, darling! Your destiny is in your hands, and I wish you all the best.
22. You have my 100% support.
23. Here’s a four-leaf clover for you. (You may send an image of it).
24. My prayers are with you.
25. May your faith guide you in whatever you do.
26. I am voting for you! May this be a stroke of luck that brings you all the success you deserve.
27. Up and at ’em!
28. Schwein haben. (‘Good fortune’ in German).
29. May the blessings of (insert name of their favorite celebrity here) be with you!
30. May the winds of fortune always blow in your favor.
31. I hope you win, buddy!
32. Party on!
33. Smooth sailing friend! May fate be on your side as you embark on this new journey.
34. Iyi şanslar! (‘Good luck’ in Turkish.)
35. Kick their asses!
36. May your roads always be smooth, and your burdens always be light.
37. Believe in yourself, and you will make it happen.
38. Gambatte! (‘Do your best’ in Japanese.)
39. Do NOT be afraid of pressure. Always remember, pressure is what turns coal into diamonds.
40. Bring home the moolah!

41. You will do great!
42. Mesmerize them, bud!
43. May you easily access all the information you have stored in your brain.
44. Bonne chance. (‘Good luck’ in French.)
45. Fare thee well!
46. Be your own boss. May success and prosperity always be in your favor!
47. Go hit the jackpot!
48. I am rooting for you.
49. Mihi fotunam spera. (‘Good luck’ in Latin.)
50. May Lord give you the courage to face any challenge with a smile.
51. Build a foundation with the bricks that others throw at you.
52. Bi’t-tawfiq. (‘Good fortune’ in Arabic.)
53. Alles Gute! (‘All the best’ in German.)
54. Win big time!
55. Fight on bruh!
56. Come back a legend!
57. It really doesn’t matter what you do. I hope good luck is always with you.
58. Jūk néih hóuwahn. (‘Good luck’ in Cantonese.)
59. Break a leg! Seize every opportunity and make the most of it.
60. Take the crown home!

61. Remember me when you are famous!
62. Best of luck, buddy!
63. Have fun while winning it!
64. Many many blessings to you.
65. Don’t mess it up, bruh.
66. Knock them dead, pal!
67. Do yourself justice, coz ye deserve it.
68. Stun them all with your amazing performance!
69. Wishing you lots of luck!
70. Go with God, and don’t take any wooden nickels!

Quick Tip

If you are wishing your close ones in person, give a bouquet of yellow roses as they symbolize good fortune, along with a good luck note. Or you may gift them a good luck charm to instantly raise their spirits and help them face their challenge head-on.

71. There is absolutely no one better than you to take on this challenge.
72. Take home the bacon buddy!
73. Have a blast!
74. Here is wishing that everything will turn out just fine.
75. You are the ace!
76. Viel Glück. (‘Good luck’ in German)
77. May the odds be in your favor.
78. Kalí tíhi! (‘Good luck’ in Greek)
79. Here is hoping that all of your efforts are fruitful.
80. Pull off the heist successfully!

81. You got this, sweetheart.
82. Fortune always favors the bold. The auspiciousness of this moment fills me with hope for your future.
83. Luck to you!
84. To infinity and beyond!
85. I am 100% confident that you will do very well.
86. May the good lord be with you.
87. Keeping my fingers crossed!
88. Hang in there; it’s going to be alright.
89. I know that God will guide you and always keep you on the right path.
90. Will you give me your autograph when you make it super big?
91. I am completely sure that your determination and hard work will help you in achieving your goal.
92. Go! Have fun storming the castle!
93. May your future be filled with joy, love, and all the other amazing stuff.
94. Use your head, make them cry!
95. Buena suerte! (‘Good luck’ in Spanish.)
96. Let me know when you win it!
97. Call on a higher power, and you will succeed.
98. Throw salt over your shoulder, and see your opponents lose.
99. Here’s a rabbit’s foot.
100. May your efforts yield a positive result. Your hard work and dedication will lead you to felicity and contentment.
101. Make good choices, and you shall win.
102. May your achievements be as satisfying as the sound of bubble wrap popping!
103. Sending only positive vibes your way!
104. Do your thing. You’ve got this in the bag!
105. Luck is the spice in your recipe to success! May you always be on the winning side of it.
106. Trust in yourself and go for it!
107. Here’s wishing you luck that multiplies faster than social media followers after a viral post.
108. May your efforts be rewarded. Go show ’em what you’re made of!
109. Give it your best shot. Hoping for a favorable outcome!
110. Go seize the day!
111. May your luck be as unshakeable as the fact that the Earth is round!
112. Sending you a pocketful of serendipity and a heart full of love.
113. May your success be as unavoidable as a catchy song stuck in your head.
114. Give it your all and celebrate your victory!
115. Time to shine and make it happen!
116. When I prayed today, all I asked God was to make you succeed.
117. Knock it out of the park, my friend.
118. Boa sorte! (‘Good luck’ in Portuguese.)
119. Put your heart into it, sweetheart. Good fortune is on your side.
120. May your tough grind pay off!

121. Sending you truckloads of good karma!
122. Excel and make us proud!
123. Here’s to a triumphant outcome!
124. Sending you a virtual ladybug and horseshoe for double the luck!
125. Wishing you a lucky break!
126. Your dedication is your greatest asset. Have a victorious journey ahead!
127. Veel succes! (‘Good luck’ in Dutch.)
128. May the stars align in your favor.
129. Good luck and good vibes are on the horizon.
130. Believe in your abilities. Your hard work will open doors to success.
131. You are on the path to something amazing. Keep going!
132. Trust yourself and go for gold!
133. You are destined for greatness. Embrace it!
134. Here’s to achieving excellence and beyond.
135. A big cake is waiting for you. Good luck with your day.
136. Take a deep breath and go create your own luck!
137. Sending you a sprinkle of luck and a dash of success for your exciting adventure.
138. Your dreams are within reach. Go grab them!
139. Powodzenia! (‘Good luck’ in Polish.)
140. Wishing you a future filled with endless positivity and possibilities.

141. Here’s to creating a life that is uniquely yours.
142. May your path be as smooth as a river’s current and as exciting as a roller coaster ride.
143. Wishing you a journey paved with four-leaf clovers and shooting stars.
144. Let luck weave the tapestry of your success story!
145. May fortune shower you with blessings!
146. Go out and make magic happen!
147. Wishing you luck so strong that even broken mirrors bring you good fortune.
148. May your endeavors be kissed by the sun and blessed by the moon.
149. Go grab success by the horns!
150. Break the chains and rise to the top!
151. Haeng-un-eul bibnida! (‘Good luck’ in Korean.)
152. Fortune dances to your tune. Take the plunge and excel!
153. May your luck be like WiFi – strong, consistent, and always in your favor!
154. You are a rockstar in the making! Go out there and rock it!
155. Sail the sea of fortune and win!
156. Luck favors the brave. Go show them your courage!
157. May your endeavors be lit by the lucky glow of fireflies!
158. Fly high on the wings of success!
159. May your luck be as grand as a well-executed plot twist in (insert the name of their favorite mystery novel).
160. Here’s to writing your own destiny with a pen dipped in luck’s finest ink.

Ehab says, “Before stressful situations, the mind tends to spiral into worst-case scenarios. A well-crafted good luck message acts like an emotional anchor, reminding someone to stay grounded and focus on what they can control. I once had a client, who suffered from severe test anxiety. The night before her exam, her best friend sent a message reminding her, You’ve put in the work, and you’ve got this. That little moment of reassurance helped calm her nerves and shift her focus from fear to readiness.”

161. Crush it and make waves!
162. May fortune smile upon you! Fingers crossed!
163. Be amazing and thrive!
164. May you find love and luck as abundant as the toppings on a pizza!
165. Like a kite soaring in the wind, let your skills take flight!
166. You will nail it – cross my heart!
167. May your luck be as undeniable as your favorite person’s puppy-dog eyes.
168. Chok dee! (‘Good luck’ in Thai.)
169. Move with the power of a rushing waterfall and be unstoppable!
170. May your journey be lined with lucky pennies and golden opportunities.
171. Sending you the kind of luck that whispers your wishes to the universe on your behalf.
172. Knock their socks off and make success your sidekick!
173. Good luck, superstar! You were born to shine like a diamond.
174. Wishing you a life so bright that even rainbows turn green with envy.
175. May your journey be as delightful as a cupcake with extra frosting.
176. Wishing you luck in abundance, just like the love that fills my heart for you.
177. May your luck be like (insert their favorite superhero’s name) – always ready to swoop in and save the day.
178. Go give them something to talk about!
179. May your success be as smooth as a well-rolled sushi roll.
180. Just like a Netflix queue full of options, may your opportunities keep rolling in.

Ehab adds, “Sometimes, we struggle to believe in ourselves but when someone else expresses faith in us, it can make all the difference. A former client was doubting his ability to start his own business. When his sister sent him a heartfelt message saying, I know this is scary, but I’ve seen you tackle tough things before you are more than capable, it was the push he needed to silence self-doubt and take action.”

181. You are well-prepared. Let luck do its part now!
182. May your luck be as unending as your scroll through (insert their favorite social media platform).
183. You are in for an amazing ride. Go, go, go!
184. Lycka till! (‘Good luck’ in Swedish.)
185. Like the North Star, may luck guide you to your desired destination.
186. Luck whispers to those who are willing to listen. Make sure to listen to it!
187. May your kismet be as sparkling as the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
188. Noroc! (‘Good luck’ in Romanian.)
189. May you find success that multiplies faster than rabbits at a magic show!
190. If luck were a fragrance, you would be wearing it oh-so-well, my love!
191. Your journey is like a blank canvas. Create a masterpiece with the colors of your hard work.
192. May your efforts be as fruitful as a well-tended orchard!
193. Sending you luck stronger than a double shot of espresso!
194. As elephants are known to bring good luck, may their spirit guide you to never-ending success! (You may send a picture of them.)
195. Sending you luck that is as rare as a blue moon on a leap year!
196. May you find good fortune that sticks to you like glitter at a craft store!
197. Put on your lucky socks and get ready to smile, sparkle, and shine!
198. You are so lucky to be you, sweetheart. And the world is about to see it!
199. May your success be as sweet as a jar of honey!
200. Sending you a sky full of stars to keep the positivity flowing! (Send a picture of the night sky full of stars.)
201. May the universe conspire in your favor.

You can use these words of encouragement as alternate and unique ways to say Good Luck to people you care about when the straightforward phrase just isn’t good enough. Maybe it is your best friend, partner, or sibling who needs your support.

Ehab says, “Knowing that someone is cheering for you reduces feelings of isolation. When we feel supported, we are more likely to take risks, push through challenges, and perform better. Whether it’s a handwritten note before a big presentation or a text before an audition, these messages remind us we are not alone.”

Did you know that these phrases work differently for cultures around the world? Read on to learn more!

Cultural Reference Of Wishing ‘Good Luck’

The origins and usage of the expressions for ‘good luck’ are as diverse as the cultures they come from. For example, the phrase ‘Break a leg’ comes from theater superstition, wishing harm to avoid jinxes. The phrase ‘Knock on wood’ harks back to an ancient belief that spirits reside in trees.

Saying ‘Fingers crossed’ is a Western phrase to invoke protection. ‘Godspeed’ comes from Middle English and originally meant ‘May God make you prosper.’

In China, ‘Jiayou’ encourages effort, similar to the English phrase ‘You can do it’! In Japanese, ‘Ganbatte’ means ‘Do your best’. It blends encouragement with a wish for success.

‘Bonne chance’ in French and ‘Buena suerte’ in Spanish are direct translations of the phrase good luck. In

Italy, ‘In bocca al lupo’ (into the wolf’s mouth) is a traditional way to wish good fortune, with the proper response being ‘Crepi il lupo’ (may the wolf die).

The Irish phrase ‘May the luck of the Irish be with you’ is about perseverance. The German ‘Hals- und Beinbruch’ literally means ‘break a neck and a leg’ and is another theatrical good-luck wish.

‘Merde’, used in French theater, parallels ‘break a leg’ but has different social connotations.

You should consider the situation you are in to choose the right phrase. For example, ‘Godspeed’ may feel overly formal in casual settings, while ‘Break a leg’ could confuse non-English speakers. Be cautious of phrases like ‘Merde’, which may offend some, or ‘Fingers crossed’, as it may be misunderstood in non-Western contexts.

Here are brief examples or scenarios when each ‘good luck’ expression may be appropriately used.

• Break a leg: Ideal before a performance, such as wishing an actor success before taking the stage in a play.
• Knock on wood: Used to ward off bad luck when discussing future plans, like saying, “I hope my presentation goes well, knock on wood.”
• Fingers crossed: Used as a casual and hopeful expression when awaiting an outcome, such as saying, “Fingers crossed you ace the job interview.”
• Godspeed: A formal and heartfelt wish, suited for farewells involving significant journeys, like bidding someone goodbye before they embark on a mission.
• Jiayou: Perfect for cheering on a friend or colleague, such as encouraging someone during a tough project or competition.
• Buena Suerte And Bonne Chance: Straightforward and polite, these wishes are appropriate for wishing luck in exams, especially when speaking to someone in Spanish or French.
• Merde: Best kept within artistic circles, it is like saying ‘break a leg’ to a dancer before a big recital.
• May the luck of the Irish be with you: A lighthearted and culturally significant option, this wish is great for St. Patrick’s Day wishes or in contexts celebrating Irish culture.
• Hals- und Beinbruch: It is appropriate for German-speaking friends or colleagues, especially before a performance or competitive event.
• Ganbatte: Encouraging and motivational, it is ideal for supporting a friend studying for exams or preparing for a marathon.
• In bocca al lupo: Suitable for Italian-speaking people, such as wishing an opera singer success before a performance.
• Noroc: A casual way to wish someone luck, such as before a job interview or an exam in Romania. It can also mean ‘cheers’ in a toast, so context is essential.
• Lycka Till: Commonly used in Sweden to wish someone good luck, for example, before a sports competition or an important presentation.
• Powodzenia: Polite and supportive, it is perfect for wishing luck to a friend or colleague starting a new venture or tackling a challenging task in Poland.
• Veel Succes: Frequently said in the Netherlands, it is used to encourage someone before a test or any situation requiring effort.
• Boa Sorte: This is a versatile expression used in Portugal and Brazil, such as wishing a friend luck before a university exam or a job interview.
• Kalí Tíhi: This phrase is used in Greece to wish someone success, especially before a significant event like a test or life milestone.
• Jūk Néih Hóuwahn: Meaning wish you good luck, this phrase is appropriate for a wide range of situations, from exams to new job endeavors, when speaking to Cantonese speakers.
• Mihi Fotunam Spera: A formal way to wish luck, this phrase is suitable for classical contexts, such as academic or literary events or conversations with Latin enthusiasts.
• Bi’t-tawfiq: This phrase is commonly used in Arabic-speaking regions to wish good fortune, particularly in professional or academic settings.
• Alles Gute: The German equivalent of ‘all the best’, this phrase is often used for broader well-wishes, like before a new job or moving to a new place.

These examples highlight how understanding the phrase and context ensures the recipient feels genuinely supported and understood. Tailoring these expressions to cultural values ensures the encouragement is both heartfelt and appropriate.

Key Takeaways

• Wishing someone “good luck” is a gesture of goodwill and care, conveying positive energy and encouragement.
• There are many different cultural and linguistic expressions of good luck.
• Apart from saying it verbally, you can also express love through gestures like giving a four-leaf clover or ending an image of it.

Infographic: Global Gestures To Wish Good Luck To Loved Ones

Good luck wishes are important in one’s life to gain encouragement and confidence before any key event. Apart from adding positivity and zing to your wishes, there are gestures you can try to wish a friend or family good luck. Because sometimes words just aren’t enough.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say good luck at work?

Keep your good luck wishes at work short and straightforward. Be confident and optimistic towards the person while wishing them. It is best to avoid slang since the workplace is a formal setting.

How do you say good luck in slang?

“Knock ’em dead,” is how you say good luck in slang.

What are some good exam wishes for someone taking an exam?

Best luck wishes can make a huge difference to an individual’s confidence. Here are some wishes for those taking an exam:
1. Good luck guys!
2. All the best wishes for exam.
3. All the best luck to you man!
4. May you ace this exam!
5. I hope all your hard work and determination pay off.

Wish someone good luck with these 9 slang phrases! From “break a leg” to “knock ’em dead”, learn how to say good luck in a unique way! Check out this video!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor

Chris Rabanera Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

         

Chris Rabanera is a licensed marriage and family therapist who provides online therapy in California, Michigan, and Nevada. With over a decade's worth of experience, he specializes in working with high performers, such as physicians, dentists, lawyers, business owners, management, and individuals in the tech industry.

Read full bio of Chris Rabanera

• 
  Ehab YoussefM.Sc Psychology Ehab Youssef is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Researcher, and Writer at Mentalyc. He has received the prestigious Kasr El Ainy Yehia El Rakhawy Award in 2020 for his contribution to Psychotherapy.As a Psychology AI Researcher at Mentalyc, he applies his expertise in psychology and artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions for mental health care. He collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, clinicians, and researchers to design, test, and evaluate cutting-edge technologies that enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders.Ehab is a graduate of University of Groningen.
  
  Ehab Youssef is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Researcher, and Writer at Mentalyc. He has received the prestigious Kasr El Ainy Yehia El Rakhawy Award in 2020 for his contribution to Psychotherapy.As a Psychology AI Researcher at Mentalyc, he applies his expertise in psychology and artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions for mental health care. He collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, clinicians, and researchers to design, test, and evaluate cutting-edge technologies that enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders.Ehab is a graduate of University of Groningen.

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha holds a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad and a professional Relationship Coach diploma. With over four years of experience in writing, she specializes in crafting insightful articles on relationships and lifestyle.

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Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

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