What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "a good day".
Which one should you use?
While гарного дня is the standard form, you can adjust it depending on who you are talking to. Use гарного тобі дня when speaking to one person in an informal, friendly way or use гарного вам дня to be more formal or respectful when addressing a group or a stranger.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
гарного дня is a polite phrase commonly used in casual or semi-formal settings, such as in shops or with acquaintances. Use гарного тобі дня for an informal, singular address and гарного вам дня for a polite or plural address.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is in the genitive case, which is the standard grammatical way in Ukrainian to express a wish (for example, '[I wish you] a good day').
How do you pronounce it?
harnoho dnya
Did you know?
- The adjective гарного is related to the concept of 'beauty' or 'being handsome', so you are essentially wishing someone a 'beautiful day'.
- While гарного дня is the standard wish, Ukrainians may respond to it with навзаєм, which means 'likewise' or 'mutually'.
- The Ukrainian word for 'day' день is a cognate with the English word 'day' and the German 'Tag', sharing an ancient Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- Гарного дня! До зустрічі.Have a great day! See you later.
- Бажаю вам гарного дня!Bazhayu vam harnoho dnya!I wish you a great day!
- Дякую, і вам гарного дня.Diakuyu, i vam harnoho dnya.Thank you, and a great day to you too.
Example conversation
A customer is leaving a small coffee shop after buying a drink.
- Олена OlenaОсь ваше замовлення. Гарного дня!Os' vashe zamovlennya. Harnoho dnya!Here is your order. Have a great day!
- Сергій SerhiiДякую, Олено. І вам гарного дня!Diakuyu, Oleno. I vam harnoho dnya!Thank you, Olena. And a great day to you too!
- Олена OlenaБудь ласка, заходьте ще.Bud' laska, zakhod'te shche.You're welcome, please come again.
- Сергій SerhiiОбов'язково! До зустрічі.Obov'yazkovo! Do zustrichi.I definitely will! See you soon.
