良い月曜日を
yoi getsuyōbi o
happy monday in Japanese is 良い月曜日を (yoi getsuyōbi o).
The phrase is used to wish someone a pleasant start to their week on a Monday. Unlike English speakers who might use 'Happy Monday' as a casual greeting when meeting someone, in Japanese, this phrase is more commonly used as a parting wish, such as at the end of an email or a conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of yoi (good), getsuyōbi (Monday) and the particle o (object marker).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ends with the particle o, which implies an omitted verb like 'have' or 'spend', making it a polite way to offer a wish.
How do you pronounce it?
yoi getsuyōbi o
Did you know?
- The word for Monday getsuyōbi literally means 'moon day'. This follows a pattern where the first five days of the week are named after the sun, moon and elements.
- In a professional setting, rather than wishing someone a 'good Monday', it is much more common to use standard business greetings like お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu) regardless of the day.
- The character for moon 月 in 月曜日 does double duty in Japanese. Beyond naming Monday, it is the primary counter used to count months.
Examples in context
- 皆、良い月曜日を。Minna, yoi getsuyōbi o.Have a happy Monday, everyone.
- 良い月曜日を過ごしてね。Yoi getsuyōbi o sugoshite ne.Have a good Monday.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are saying goodbye at the office entrance on Monday morning.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、おはようございます。Kenta-san, ohayō gozaimasu.Good morning, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaおはよう、陽葵さん。Ohayō, Himari-san.Morning, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari今日も頑張りましょう。良い月曜日を！Kyō mo ganbarimashō. Yoi getsuyōbi o!Let's do our best today. Happy Monday!
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。陽葵さんもね！Arigatō gozaimasu. Himari-san mo ne!Thank you. You too, Himari!
