have a nice day

Meaning

A polite and friendly spoken farewell used to wish someone well for the rest of their day. It is extremely common in customer service (e.g., from cashiers, waiters, or receptionists) as well as between acquaintances and colleagues.

Examples

• Thank you for shopping with us, have a nice day!

  Thank you for shopping with us, have a nice day!

• I'm leaving for work now. Have a nice day, everyone!

  I'm leaving for work now. Have a nice day, everyone!

• The cashier smiled and said, 'Here is your receipt, have a nice day!'

  The cashier smiled and said, 'Here is your receipt, have a nice day!'

• Goodbye, it was nice meeting you, have a nice day!

  Goodbye, it was nice meeting you, have a nice day!

• Have a nice day! I hope the weather stays warm for your picnic.

  Have a nice day! I hope the weather stays warm for your picnic.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ A: Have a nice day! B: Yes, I have.

  ✓ A: Have a nice day! B: Thanks, you too!

  Do not answer with 'Yes, I have'. This is an imperative wish, not a question about what you possess. Respond with appreciation and return the wish.

• ✗ Have nice day.

  ✓ Have a nice day.

  You must include the indefinite article 'a' because 'day' is a singular countable noun.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Here is your coffee. ___, sir!

  💡 A polite wish spoken by service staff at parting.

  Show answer

  Have a nice day

• I have to go to school now. Bye mom, ___!

  💡 A common wish for the remaining hours of the day.

  Show answer

  have a nice day