İyi günler
/iji ɟynleɾ/from spelling rules
The Turkish phrase for "have a great day" is İyi günler.
İyi günler is a versatile phrase used both as a greeting when arriving and as a parting wish when leaving. It can be translated as "have a great day" or "good day."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good days": iyi means "good" and günler means "days."
Which one should you use?
While İyi günler is a standard polite way to express this sentiment, it is more neutral and less enthusiastic than saying Harika bir gün geçir (Have a wonderful day).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word günler is the plural form of gün (day), which is why the phrase uses the plural "days" instead of the singular "day."
How do you pronounce it?
The sounds are as follows: /i/ as in cr[ee]k, /j/ as in [y]es, /ɟ/ as in ar[g]ue, /n/ as in [n]ot and /ɾ/ as in AmE a[t]om.
Did you know?
- While İyi günler is a general wish, Turkish speakers often use Kolay gelsin when leaving someone who is currently working, which literally means 'may it come easy to you'.
- The word iyi is used in many Turkish idioms, such as İyi ki varsın, which means 'it is good that you exist'.
- Turkish uses the plural günler (days) in this phrase because it implies a wish for a series of good moments throughout the day rather than a single point in time.
Examples in context
- Ali Bey, iyi günler dilerimMr. Ali, I wish you good days
- İyi günler dilerim.I wish you a great day.
- Tamam, iyi günler!Okay, have a great day!
Example conversation
Selin is leaving a coffee shop after talking to the barista.
- SelinKahve için teşekkürler, Mehmet.Thanks for the coffee, Mehmet.
- MehmetRica ederim, Selin.You are welcome, Selin.
- Selinİyi günler!Have a great day!
- MehmetSana da iyi günler.Have a great day too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
