What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tenha (have – in the subjunctive mood), um (a), ótimo (great/excellent) and dia (day).
Which one should you use?
While tenha um ótimo dia is polite and standard, tenha um bom dia is a slightly more neutral way to say "have a good day".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tenha um ótimo dia is a formal way to wish someone a good day and is appropriate for polite, standard or formal interactions with strangers or acquaintances. Another formal option is Desejo-lhe um excelente dia!, which means "I wish you an excellent day". In contrast, Que seu dia seja incrível! is an informal way to say "May your day be amazing!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tenha is in the third-person singular present subjunctive, which is used here to express a wish or a polite command.
When do people say it?
When someone wishes you a great day, a common and natural response is igualmente (likewise). You can also respond by saying obrigado (if you are male) or obrigada (if you are female) followed by para você também (for you too).
Did you know?
- The word dia is also a distant relative of the Portuguese word Deus meaning 'God'.
- While tenha um ótimo dia is used for the remainder of the day, Brazilians often use bom dia both as a greeting upon arrival and as a wish for the day ahead.
- The use of the subjunctive tenha reflects a cultural preference for softening requests and wishes to appear more polite and less demanding.
Examples in context
- Tenha um ótimo dia.Have a great day.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase tenha um ótimo dia.Tatoeba #5149923 by bill, translation #3392964 by CK
- Tenha um ótimo dia!Have a great day
- Desejo-lhe um excelente dia!I wish you an excellent day
- Tenha um dia maravilhoso!Have a wonderful day
- Que seu dia seja incrível!May your day be amazing!
- Tenha um ótimo dia, professora.Have a great day, teacher.
Example conversation
Gabriel is leaving a coffee shop where Mariana works.
- GabrielObrigado pelo café.Thank you for the coffee.
- MarianaDe nada, Gabriel!You're welcome, Gabriel!
- GabrielTchau, tenha um ótimo dia!Bye, have a great day!
- MarianaPara você também!To you too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dia, um, ótimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
