What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "how your day passed?" The part günün means "your day" and nasıl geçti means "how it passed".
Which one should you use?
The default form günün nasıl geçti? is informal and used with friends or family. In contrast, Gününüz nasıl geçti? is the formal version used when speaking to elders or strangers. There are also other variations: Nasıldı günün? and Günün nasıl geçmiş? are informal ways to ask how the day was or how it has been, while Gününüz nasıl geçmiştir? provides a formal way to ask how someone's day has been.
How does it change in a sentence?
To switch from the informal to the polite or plural form, change the word günün to gününüz.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you this question, common ways to respond include İyi geçti to say "It went well" or Normal geçti if the day was unremarkable and you want to say "It went normally".
Did you know?
- If a day was particularly exhausting, a Turkish speaker might respond with ölüm gibi geçti, which literally translates to 'it passed like death'.
- While İyi geçti is a standard reply, Turkish speakers often use the word şükür meaning 'thanks to God' as a standalone answer to indicate that the day was acceptable even if it was difficult.
- In Turkish, the word nasıl is actually a combination of the words 'ne' (what) and 'asıl' (root/essence), essentially asking 'what is the essence' of the day.
Examples in context
- Günün nasıl geçti?How was your day?This example shows how to use the phrase günün nasıl geçti?Tatoeba #1254989 by duran, translation #953356 by CK
- Canım, günün nasıl geçti?Honey, how was your day?
Example conversation
Elif is waiting for Emre to arrive home from work.
- ElifHoş geldin Emre, günün nasıl geçti?Welcome home Emre, how was your day?
- EmreÇok yorucu ama güzeldi.It was very tiring but good.
- ElifYemek hazırladım, hadi dinlen.I prepared food, go rest.
- EmreTeşekkürler Elif, çok naziksin.Thanks Elif, you are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nasıl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
