Pekný deň!
/pekniː ɟeɲ/word by word
The English phrase "have a good day" is translated into Slovak as Pekný deň!
This phrase is a polite greeting used when saying goodbye to someone. Other variations include wishing someone a nice morning with Majte pekné ráno.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Pekný deň! translates to "Beautiful day!"
Which one should you use?
While Pekný deň! focuses on wishing someone a good day, the more standard way to say "Goodbye" is Dovidenia!, which literally means "until seeing again."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Pekný deň! is a standard, polite way to say goodbye in shops, restaurants or formal settings. For a more formal version, you can use Majte pekný deň or Príjemný deň, which means "Enjoyable day". In informal contexts, you might use the shorter Pekný deň, the phrase Maj sa to mean "Take care" or Všetko naj for "All the best".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the masculine singular adjective pekný to agree with the masculine noun deň.
How do you pronounce it?
/pekniː ɟeɲ/
Did you know?
- The adjective pekný in 'Pekný deň!' is actually a distant relative of the English word 'fasten', as both derive from a root meaning 'to fix or place in place'.
- Slovak is closely related to Czech, so if you say Pekný deň in Prague, you will be perfectly understood, though it may sound slightly more like a Slovak speaker.
- The adjective pekný is closely related to the Polish word piękny, though the sounds shifted over time.
Examples in context
- Majte pekný deň. / Ďakujem, Vám tiežHave a nice day. / Thank you, you too.
- Maj sa! / Ďakujem, tebe tiežTake care! / Thank you, you too.
- Pekný deň!Have a good day!
- Dovidenia, pekný deň!Goodbye, have a good day!
Example conversation
Jakub is leaving a bakery after buying bread.
- JakubTu je váš chlieb, prosím.Here is your bread, please.
- ZuzanaĎakujem veľmi pekne.Thank you very much.
- JakubRiadne to bolo, pekný deň!It was a pleasure, have a good day!
- ZuzanaVám tiež pekný deň!You have a good day too!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (pekný, deň) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deň, pekný, CC BY-SA 4.0.
