iyi günler
/iˈji ɡynˈleɾ/
To say have a nice day in Turkish when saying goodbye, say iyi günler.
iyi günler is used both as a greeting when arriving and as a way to say goodbye during daylight hours. As a goodbye it carries the meaning have a nice day.
Meaning: goodbye (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is made of iyi, good and günler, days.
Which one should you use?
iyi günler is for the daytime. In the evening, iyi akşamlar is the appropriate phrase. Warmer variations include Günün güzel olsun, may your day be beautiful and Gününüz aydın olsun, may your day be bright.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase is pronounced /iˈji ɡynˈleɾ/. The j sound is like the y in yes, and the final r is a quick tap, like the t in American atom.
Did you know?
- The Turkish word for 'good' iyi is a linguistic relative of the Mongolian word ed, which means 'thing' or 'property'.
- The phrase iyi günler is plural, literally meaning 'good days', even when wishing someone a good single day.
- If you use iyi günler in a shop, a short, clipped delivery can make you sound dismissive or curt rather than friendly.
Examples in context
- Kendinize iyi bakın ve iyi günler.Take care and have a nice day.iyi günler closes the sentence after take care.Tatoeba #5639132 by duran, translation #1617777 by Spamster
- Bunu dinlemek için kalmıyorum! İyi günler!I'm not staying to listen to this! Have a nice day!İyi günler! is used here as a curt goodbye.Tatoeba #4113110 by deyta, translation #2097285 by gleki
- İyi günler.Have a nice day.İyi günler on its own is the full wish.Tatoeba #483504 by duran, translation #30085 by CK
- İyi günler dilerim!I wish you good days!
- İyi günler dilerim, teyze!I wish you good days, auntie!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Selin and Mehmet are leaving a small bakery.
- SelinTeşekkürler, iyi günler dilerim.Thanks, I wish you a nice day.
- MehmetSize de iyi günler Selin Hanım.A nice day to you too, Ms. Selin.
- SelinGörüşmek üzere.See you later.
- MehmetGörüşürüz.See you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have a nice day” translations and entries iyi günler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iyi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
