góðan daginn
[ˈkouːðan ˈtaijɪn(ː)]
The English phrase "good morning" is translated into Icelandic as góðan daginn. Wiktionary also lists daginn and góðan dag.
Meaning: when seeing someone for the first time in the morning (intj)
Ways to say it
| Icelandic | IPA |
|---|---|
| góðan daginn | [ˈkouːðan ˈtaijɪn(ː)] (narrow) |
| daginn | |
| góðan dag | [ˈkouːðan ˈtaːɣ] (narrow) |
Góðan daginn is used to say "good day" and is a common greeting when seeing someone for the first time in the morning. It is typically used until midday. In the afternoon, you can use góðan dag to say "good day".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase góðan daginn literally translates to "good the day" because it uses the accusative case to express a wish for a good day.
Which one should you use?
Daginn can be used on its own, and góðan dag is a slightly more direct version of the greeting that is often used in casual or rapid speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the masculine accusative form góðan to agree with the masculine accusative noun daginn.
When do people say it?
While góðan daginn is used in the morning, you can use gott kvöld to say "good evening" in the evening.
Did you know?
- If you see a friend very early in the morning before the sun is high, you might actually use góðan morgun instead, though góðan daginn remains the most ubiquitous way to start the day.
- The word dagur used in góðan daginn is a cognate of the English word 'day', preserving a linguistic link from the ancient Proto-Germanic language.
- If you are in a rush, you can drop the adjective and just say daginn to someone you know. This shortened version functions perfectly as a polite but brisk greeting in passing.
Examples in context
- Góðan daginn!Good morning!This example shows the use of góðan daginn as an exclamation.Tatoeba #3838979 by arnarsmata, translation #329713 by YURY0608
- Góðan daginn.Good morning.This example shows the use of góðan daginn as a standard greeting.Tatoeba #3838982 by arnarsmata, translation #2258234 by _undertoad
- „Góðan daginn“, sagði Tom með bros á vör."Good morning", said Tom with a smile.This example shows the use of góðan daginn within a descriptive sentence.Tatoeba #478532 by Swift, translation #1780 by al_ex_an_der
- Góðan daginn. Ég er kominn til að heimsækja Ísland.Good morning. I have come to visit Iceland.
- Góðan dag. Langar þig í brauð og kaffi?Good morning. Would you like some bread and coffee?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kristín and Sigurður meet at a local coffee shop.
- KristínGóðan daginn, Sigurður.Good morning, Sigurður.
- SigurðurGóðan daginn, Kristín.Good morning, Kristín.
- KristínHvernig gengur þér í morgun?How are you doing this morning?
- SigurðurAllt gott, takk fyrir.Everything is good, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good morning” translations and entries góðan daginn, daginn, góðan dag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
