bună ziua
[ˌbu.nə ˈzi.wa]
The Romanian phrase for "good day" is bună ziua.
bună ziua is a greeting used between sunrise and sunset.
Meaning: greeting between sunrise and sunset (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine adjective bună (good) and the noun phrase ziua (the day).
Which one should you use?
bună ziua is used from late morning through the afternoon. In the early morning, you should use Bună dimineața (Good morning) and once the sun begins to set or evening arrives, replace it with Bună seara (Good evening).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the definite form of the noun zi (day), which is ziua (the day).
Did you know?
- The noun zi is a cognate of the English word 'day', as both stem from much older Indo-European roots.
- While English speakers often say 'Good day' as a formal farewell, in Romanian, bună ziua is strictly a greeting used when arriving or meeting.
- In casual settings, Romanians often shorten bună ziua to just bună. While bună ziua is formal, bună is a friendly way to say 'hi' regardless of the time of day.
Examples in context
- De ce se spune „Bună ziua”, când ziua nu e bună?Why does one say "Good day" when the day is not good?This sentence explores the logic of using bună ziua even when a day is not going well.Tatoeba #2536712 by ijikure, translation #1781 by Zifre
- Bună ziua, cum vă pot fi de folos?Good day, how may I help you?This sentence shows how to use bună ziua when offering assistance.Tatoeba #584344 by adynee, translation #399628 by Dorenda
- O zi bună! Mulțumesc pentru ospitalitate!Good day! Thank you for your hospitality!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alexandru enters a small shop where Andreea is working.
- AlexandruBună ziua, Andreea!Good day, Andreea!
- AndreeaBună ziua, Alexandru! Ce cauți?Good day, Alexandru! What are you looking for?
- AlexandruCaut un plic albastru.I am looking for a blue envelope.
- AndreeaSunt chiar aici, pe masă.They are right here, on the table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good day” translations and entries bună ziua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bună, bună ziua, ziua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
