Ha en bra dag!
/hɑː ɛnː brɑː dɑː(ɡ)/word by word
To say "have a good day" in Swedish, use Ha en bra dag!
Ha en bra dag! is a polite parting wish used when leaving a shop, a restaurant or when ending a conversation to wish someone well for the rest of their day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb ha (have), the indefinite article en (a), the adjective bra (good) and the noun dag (day).
Which one should you use?
While Ha en bra dag! specifically mentions the day, the alternative Ha det så bra! is a common idiomatic expression that focuses more generally on a person's well-being.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gothenburg region, an informal way to say "have a good day" is Ha det gött!
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the imperative form of the verb ha, which is identical to its infinitive form in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
/hɑː ɛnː brɑː dɑː(ɡ)/
Did you know?
- The word bra in the phrase Ha en bra dag! actually shares an ancestor with the English word 'brave'. It originally stems from the Italian word 'bravo', which meant 'skilled' or 'good'.
- While Ha en bra dag! is polite, Swedish social norms often favor a very brief and efficient exit in shops to avoid imposing on the staff.
Examples in context
- Ha en bra dag, Anna!Have a good day, Anna!
- Tack så mycket! Du med!Thank you very much! You too!
- Hej, ha en skön dag!Hey, have a good day!
- Tack, detsamma!Thanks, you too!
- Tack, du med, ha en bra dag!Thanks, you too, have a good day!
- Hej då, ha en bra dag!Bye, have a good day!
Example conversation
Karl and Linnea are leaving a coffee shop.
- KarlDet var kul att ses, Linnea.It was fun to see you, Linnea.
- LinneaJa, verkligen! Vi hörs snart.Yes, really! We'll talk soon.
- KarlHa en bra dag!Have a good day!
- LinneaTack, detsamma Karl!Thanks, you too Karl!
