What does it mean word for word?
The phrase que tengas un buen día literally translates to 'that you have a good day', where que functions as a conjunction to introduce a wish.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on your relationship with the listener. Use que tengas un buen día for an informal 'have a nice day', whereas que tenga un buen día is the formal version. You may also use Hasta luego, que tenga un excelente día to formally wish someone an excellent day or Que tenga un día maravilloso to formally wish them a wonderful day. For an informal setting, Nos vemos, que te vaya genial can be used to mean 'see you later' and wish someone a great day.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial expression que te vaya de perlas is used to mean 'may everything go perfectly for you'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood to express a wish. When using the informal version, such as in que tengas un buen día, you use the informal verb form.
Did you know?
- The word adiós actually means 'to God'. It comes from the Medieval Latin 'ad Deum', suggesting a way of leaving someone in God's care.
- If you want to tell someone to have a great day in a very colorful way in Spain, you can say que te vaya de perlas. This literally translates to 'may it go for you like pearls'.
Examples in context
- Adiós, que tenga un buen día, señor García.Goodbye, have a nice day, Mr. García.
- Hasta luego, que tenga un excelente día, señora López.See you later, have an excellent day, Mrs. López.
- Que tenga un día maravilloso, don Javier.Have a wonderful day, Mr. Javier.
- Chao, que tengas un buen día, Carlos.Bye, have a nice day, Carlos.
- Nos vemos, que te vaya genial, Laura.See you later, have a great day, Laura.
- Nos vemos, que te vaya de perlas, María.See you later, may everything go perfectly for you, María.
- Muchas gracias, adiós, que tengas un buen día.Thank you very much, bye, have a nice day.
- Ya me voy, adiós, que tengas un buen día.I'm leaving now, bye, have a nice day.
Example conversation
Javier is leaving a small coffee shop after his order.
- ElenaAquí tienes tu café, Javier.Here is your coffee, Javier.
- JavierMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- JavierAdiós, que tengas un buen día.Bye, have a nice day.
- ElenaIgualmente, adiós.Likewise, bye.
