j'ai passé une bonne journée
To say I had a good day in French, use j'ai passé une bonne journée.
j'ai passé une bonne journée says that the time you spent during the day was pleasant.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally the phrase means I have passed a good day, because the verb passer is used for spending time.
Which one should you use?
J'ai passé une super journée! means I had a great day, and Ma journée était géniale! means my day was great. Both are informal. Bonne journée! is different, it means have a nice day.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the passé composé tense to express a completed action in the past.
What mistakes should you avoid?
A word for word translation with the verb to have sounds much less natural to native speakers. Use passer for spending a day.
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions, saying bonne journée as a greeting is strictly for departures. If you say it to someone when you first arrive, it may sound like you are telling them to leave.
- In French, the word journée refers to the duration and content of the day, whereas jour refers to a specific date or a 24-hour unit of time.
- The word journée shares an ancient root with the Latin word for 'daily' or 'daytime', which is why it specifically emphasizes the span of the daylight hours.
Examples in context
- J'ai passé une bonne journée, merci! Et toi?I had a good day, thank you! And you?
- Ma journée était géniale! J'ai rencontré de nouvelles personnes et j'ai découvert un super café.My day was great! I met new people and discovered an amazing café.
- J'ai passé une bonne journée avec toi.I had a good day with you.
- Heureusement, j'ai passé une bonne journée aujourd'hui.Fortunately, I had a good day today.
- J'ai passé une bonne journée malgré la pluie.I had a good day despite the rain.
Example conversation
A couple is talking in the kitchen after work.
- HugoComment s'est passé ton travail, Léa ?How was your work, Léa?
- LéaC'était super, j'ai passé une bonne journée.It was great, I had a good day.
- HugoJe suis content pour toi, ma chérie.I am happy for you, my dear.
- LéaEt toi, Hugo, ton après-midi était calme ?And you, Hugo, was your afternoon calm?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries j'ai, journée, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
