до́брий день
dóbryj denʹ
The English phrase "good day" is translated into Ukrainian as до́брий день (dóbryj denʹ). Wiktionary also lists добридень (dobrydenʹ).
Meaning: greeting between sunrise and sunset (intj)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| до́брий день | dóbryj denʹ | |
| добридень | dobrydenʹ | [dɔˈbrɪdenʲ] (narrow) |
This phrase is used as a greeting during the daylight hours, specifically between sunrise and sunset.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective до́брий (good) and the noun день (day).
Which one should you use?
While до́брий день is the standard greeting for the daytime, it is distinct from добрий вечір, which means "good evening".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form добридень acts as a colloquial, condensed version of the standard two-word phrase до́брий день.
How do you pronounce it?
dóbryj denʹ
Did you know?
- The word день shares a common ancestor with the Sanskrit word dina, making it a distant linguistic relative of words used in ancient Indian traditions.
- If you are in a formal setting, you might notice that 'good day' is often paired with a slight nod of the head, a common non-verbal sign of respect in Ukrainian culture.
- While 'good day' is a common greeting, in very formal or traditional settings, Ukrainians might prefer Вітаю (I greet you) to sound more sophisticated.
Examples in context
- Україна is known for its warm hospitality, so when visiting, remember to greet locals with "Добрий день" (Good day) to show respect.Ukraine is known for its warm hospitality, so when visiting, remember to greet locals with "Good day" (Good day) to show respect.
- Доброго дня, шановні гості. З повагою вітаю вас на нашій конференції.Good day, esteemed guests. I welcome you with respect to our conference.
- До́брий день, як ваші справи?Dobryi den, yak vashi spravy?Good day, how are you?
Example conversation
Dmytro and Natalia meet on the street in the afternoon.
- Дмитро DmytroДо́брий день, Наталіє!Dobryi den, Nataliie!Good day, Natalia!
- Наталія NataliiaПривіт, Дмитре! Рада тебе бачити.Pryvit, Dmytre! Rada tebe bachyty.Hi, Dmytro! I am glad to see you.
- Дмитро DmytroЯ теж. Куди ти йдеш?Ya tezh. Kudy ty ydesh?Me too. Where are you going?
- Наталія NataliiaЯ йду в магазин за хлібом.Ya ydu v mahazyn za khlibom.I am going to the store for bread.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good day” translations and entries добридень, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries день, добридень, CC BY-SA 4.0.
