素敵な一日を
sutekina ichinichi o
素敵な一日を (sutekina ichinichi o) is the Japanese way to say "have a lovely day".
This phrase is used when parting ways with someone, such as a shop clerk speaking to a customer or someone leaving a social gathering.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a fragment consisting of sutekina (lovely), ichinichi (one day) and the particle o, which is the object marker.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
素敵な一日を is a polite expression. It is suitable for use with acquaintances, customers or people you are not on intimate terms with.
How does it change in a sentence?
This omission is a common way in Japanese to express a wish or a command.
How do you pronounce it?
sutekina ichinichi o
Did you know?
- While 素敵な一日を is used in media and translation, Japanese speakers traditionally avoid wishing a 'good day' as a goodbye, preferring the neutral 失礼します which means 'I am being rude by leaving'.
- The word 素敵 (suteki) was historically used to describe something 'grand' or 'magnificent' and was often used by the upper classes to describe high fashion or architecture.
- In Japan, instead of wishing someone a lovely day, it is much more common to use ki o tsukete (take care), which literally translates to 'be careful'.
Examples in context
- 素敵な一日を。Suteki na ichinichi o.Have a lovely day.
- それでは、素敵な一日を。Sore dewa, suteki na ichinichi o.Well then, have a lovely day.
- 皆さんも、素敵な一日を！Minasan mo, suteki na ichinichi o!Have a lovely day, everyone!
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are leaving a cafe after meeting up.
- 蓮 Ren今日はありがとうございました。Kyou wa arigatou gozaimashita.Thank you for today.
- 美咲 Misakiこちらこそ。素敵な一日を、蓮さん。Kochira koso. Suteki na ichinichi o, Ren-san.Likewise. Have a lovely day, Ren.
- 蓮 Renはい、また会いましょう。Hai, mata aimashou.Yes, let's meet again.
- 美咲 Misakiまたね！Mata ne!See you!
