fijne dag
The English phrase "have a nice day" is expressed in Dutch as fijne dag.
This phrase is used as a way to say goodbye. It is very common to add the word nog (meaning still or another) before the phrase to say "Have a nice [rest of the] day", resulting in Nog een fijne dag. You can also add verder to the end of the phrase, Fijne dag verder, to express the same idea of having a nice rest of the day.
Meaning: goodbye (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase fijne dag literally means "nice day".
Which one should you use?
You might use Fijne dag! for an informal greeting or Geniet van je dag! if you want to say "Enjoy your day". More formal options include Een fijne dag gewenst (Wishing you a nice day) or Een prettige dag verder (Have a pleasant day ahead).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase fijne dag, the adjective fijn takes an -e ending because it precedes a singular de/het noun (dag).
When do people say it?
When someone wishes you a fijne dag, a common response is Jij ook, which means "You too".
Did you know?
- While fijne dag is a standard goodbye, the word fijn is also used in Dutch to describe the texture of a fabric or a fine-grained powder, much like the English word 'fine'.
- In the Netherlands, saying fijne dag is often accompanied by a polite nod or a smile, but physical contact like hugging or kissing is typically reserved for friends and family, not strangers in a shop.
- The Dutch use the word verder in Fijne dag verder to specifically slice the day into two parts: the time already spent together and the time remaining.
Examples in context
- Hallo Karin. We hebben vandaag om 11 uur een afspraak. Ik kan er helaas niet bij zijn. Nog een fijne dag.Hello Karin. We have an appointment today at 11 o'clock. Unfortunately, I can't make it. Have a nice day.This sentence shows how to use fijne dag when ending a conversation or canceling an appointment.Tatoeba #12765818 by kiryopi, translation #12765820 by kiryopi
- Een fijne dag gewenst, meneer.Wishing you a nice day, sir.
- Dank u wel voor uw hulp. Een prettige dag verder!Thank you for your help. Have a pleasant day ahead!
- Fijne dag! Tot ziens!Have a nice day! Goodbye!
- Bedankt voor de hulp, fijne dag!Thanks for the help, have a nice day!
- Het was gezellig, fijne dag nog.It was fun, have a nice day.
Example conversation
Noah and Sophie are leaving a small cafe.
- NoahHet was erg lekker, dank je wel.It was very tasty, thank you.
- SophieGraag gedaan, kom snel weer!You're welcome, come back soon!
- NoahDat doe ik, fijne dag, Sophie!I will, have a nice day, Sophie!
- SophieJij ook, tot de volgende keer, Noah.You too, see you next time, Noah.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
