A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Have a good day" in Spanish
A friendly way to wish someone a pleasant day, perfect for parting after a pleasant interaction.
Que tengas un buen día
keh TEN-gahs oon bwen DEE-ahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when saying goodbye to someone you've had a pleasant interaction with, like a shopkeeper, a colleague you're leaving for the day, or a new acquaintance.
Alternatives
- Que tenga un buen díaUse when speaking formally to someone you address as 'usted'.
- Buen díaA shorter, more casual option, common in some regions.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'Tener un buen día'
The verb 'tener' (to have) is used in the subjunctive mood here, so it's 'tengas' or 'tenga', not the infinitive.
Pronouncing 'día'
The 'í' is stressed, so it's DEE-ah, not dee-AH.
A small cultural note
While 'Buen día' is common in some countries like Argentina, 'Que tengas un buen día' is more universally understood across Latin America.
Frequently asked
When do I use 'tengas' vs 'tenga'?
Use 'tengas' when you are talking to someone you know well or someone your age (tú). Use 'tenga' when you are talking to someone older, someone in authority, or someone you don't know well (usted).
Is 'Que tengas un buen día' a greeting or a goodbye?
It's definitely a goodbye. You say it as you are parting ways with someone.
Can I say 'Have a nice day' in Spanish?
Yes, 'Que tengas un buen día' is the direct Spanish equivalent of 'Have a nice day'.
How do you wish someone a good day in Spanish?
The most common way to wish someone a good day in Spanish is 'Que tengas un buen día.' You can also use 'Que te vaya bien.'
How do Mexicans say 'have a good day'?
Mexicans commonly say 'Que tengas un buen día' or 'Que te vaya bien.' They might also use the more casual 'Buen día.'
Do Spanish say 'bon dia'?
No, 'bon dia' is Catalan, not Spanish. In Spanish, you would say 'buenos días' for 'good morning' or 'que tengas un buen día' for 'have a good day.'
Have a nice day in Spanish informal?
For an informal way to say 'have a nice day,' you can use 'Que te vaya bien' or simply 'Buen día.'
