Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| En schöne Tag no | |
| Ha en schöne Tag | less common, closer to English |
Swiss people say this when leaving someone who still has the rest of the day ahead, for example a shopkeeper or a colleague heading home. The more literal Ha en schöne Tag is also understood and closer to the English wording.
What does it mean word for word?
schöne Tag means 'nice day' and no means 'still' or 'yet', so the phrase literally wishes someone a nice day for what remains of it.
Which one should you use?
En schöne Tag no is the natural parting phrase in daily life. Ha en schöne Tag sounds a little more like a direct translation from English and is used less often, though still understood.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both versions work with strangers and acquaintances alike. The phrase itself has no separate polite form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word no for 'still' is heard across German-speaking Switzerland, though some cantons prefer na with the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
no only makes sense if some of the day is still left. Late in the evening, Swiss speakers switch to en schöne Abig no, 'a nice rest of the evening', instead.
How do you pronounce it?
The ö in schöne is a rounded front vowel, similar to the vowel in French deux, and has no equivalent in English.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using no early in the morning sounds odd if you mean the whole day ahead. For a day that has barely started, Swiss speakers more often just say en schöne Tag, without no.
When do people say it?
This wish is said constantly in shops, offices and buses, often to someone you will likely never see again, much like English 'have a nice day'.
Did you know?
- no, meaning 'still', is what makes en schöne Tag no specifically a wish for the rest of the day, rather than the whole day.
- The same pattern appears in en schöne Abig no, said instead once evening has already started.
Examples in context
- Merci für Ihre Bsuech, en schöne Tag no!Thanks for your visit, have a good day!
- Tschau, en schöne Tag no!Bye, have a good day!
- Au en schöne Tag no, bis morn!You too, have a good day, see you tomorrow!
Example conversation
A cashier, Priska, says goodbye to a customer, Walter, after he pays.
- PriskaSo, das wärs. En schöne Tag no!That's it. Have a good day!
- WalterMerci, Ihne au en schöne Tag no!Thanks, you too, have a good day!
- PriskaMerci, tschau!Thanks, bye!
- WalterTschau!Bye!
