lekker dag
/ˌlɛ.kər ˈdaχ/
The English phrase "have a nice day" is translated into Afrikaans as lekker dag.
The phrase lekker dag is used as a common way to say "have a nice day" when parting ways.
Meaning: goodbye (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lekker dag literally means "nice day".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Adding 'verder' (further) to the end of the phrase is a very common, colloquial way to say Lekker dag verder, which translates to "Have a nice day further" (meaning "Have a nice rest of your day").
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌlɛ.kər ˈdaχ/
Did you know?
- While 'nice' is an adjective in English, the word lekker shares a surprising linguistic ancestor with the English verb 'to lick', as both derive from the idea of something being 'delicious' or 'palatable'.
- The word lekker is so central to South African culture that it has entered English slang in the region to mean 'great' or 'cool'.
- In South Africa, lekker is often used as a one-word response to show agreement or satisfaction, acting as a verbal thumbs-up.
Examples in context
- Geniet jou dag, Jan!Enjoy your day, Jan!
- Lekker dag vir jou.Have a nice day.
- Totsiens, geniet 'n lekker dag!Goodbye, enjoy a nice day!
Example conversation
Liezel and Johan are leaving a coffee shop.
- LiezelTotsiens, Johan.Goodbye, Johan.
- JohanLekker dag vir jou ook, Liezel.Have a nice day to you too, Liezel.
- LiezelDankie, sien jou môre.Thank you, see you tomorrow.
- JohanSien jou dan!See you then!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have a nice day” translations and entries lekker dag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dag, lekker, lekker dag, CC BY-SA 4.0.
