Learn to say “Hello” in different languages, and you might just spark a great conversation—or maybe even a lasting friendship. But what about more specific greetings?
While there’s nothing wrong with saying a simple “hey” when you see someone in the morning, you can take your language skills to the next level by also learning to say “Good morning” in different languages.
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Common ways to say ‘Good morning’ in different languages
No matter the language, starting a conversation with a positive sentiment like “good morning” is sure to make the day brighter. While not every language has an exact translation, these 25 languages have their own unique ways to greet the morning.
| Language | “Good Morning” | Pronunciation |
| Spanish | Buenos días | BWEN-ohs DEE-ahs |
| French | Bonjour | bwon-ZHOOR |
| German | Guten Morgen | GOO-ten MOR-ghen |
| Italian | Buongiorno | bwon-JOR-noh |
| Chinese | 早上好 (Zǎo shàng hǎo) | ZAH-oh shahng HOW |
| Japanese | おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) | oh-HAI-oh goh-zai-MAH-soo |
| Korean | 좋은 아침이에요 (Joh-eun achim-ieyo) | JOH-oon ah-CHEEM-eh-YOH |
| Arabic | صباح الخير (Sabah al-khayr) | sah-BAH ahl-HAY-er-eh |
| Hindi | शुभ प्रभात (Shubh prabhaat) | SHOOB prahb-HAHT |
| Russian | доброе утро (Dobroye utro) | DOH-broh-yeh OOH-troh |
| Ukrainian | Доброго ранку (Dobroho ranku) | DOH-broh-hoh RAHN-koo |
| Greek | Καλημέρα (Kaliméra) | kah-lee-MEH-rah |
| Hebrew | בוקר טוב (Boker tov) | BOH-kehr TOHV |
| Dutch | Goedemorgen | KHOO-deh-MOHR-ghen |
| Swedish | God morgon | GUD mohr-YUHN |
| Irish | Maidin mhaith | MAH-jin WAH |
| Portuguese | Bom dia | bohm DEE-ah |
| Navajo | Yá’át’ééh abíní | yah-ah-TEH ah-BIH-nih |
| Tagalog | Magandang umaga po | mah-gahn-DAHNG ooh-mah-GAH poh |
| Vietnamese | Chào buổi sáng | chow boo-ee SAHNG |
| Indonesian | Selamat pagi | seh-lah-MAT pah-GHEE |
| Thai | สวัสดีตอนเช้า (S̄wạs̄dī txn chêā) | sah-wah-DEE tawn cheh-UH |
| Farsi | صبح بخیر (Sobh bekheir) | sohb beh-KHEIR |
| Turkish | Günaydın | goo-NAI-doon |
| Polish | Dzień dobry | DZHEN DOH-breh |
1. ‘Good morning’ in Spanish: Buenos días
Buenos días is the most common way to say “good morning” in Spanish, both in Spain and Latin America. It translates to “good days” in English, and most people say it before the afternoon hours (when you’d say buenos tardes!).
Why use the plural Spanish word for “days” when you’re wishing someone good morning? The Spanish phrase Buenos dias comes from the phrase Buenos días le dé Dios (Good morning, God bless you), a more formal way to wish a Spanish speaker “Good morning.” However, you may also hear the singular buen dia from time to time.
2. ‘Good morning’ in French: Bonjour
To say “Good morning” in French, say Bonjour! This conversational French phrase translates to “good day” and is a common greeting for both “Good morning” and “Hello.”
If you’re traveling to Quebec, you may hear Bon matin (Good morning) instead of bonjour in the early hours of the day. But if you’re in France or another French-speaking country, stick with Bonjour to greet someone in the morning.
3. ‘Good morning’ in German: Guten Morgen
Guten Morgen is the most common way to say “Good morning” in German. You’ll also hear Guten Morgen in other regions near Germany, including Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Austria (though Austrians typically say Guete Morge).
You may hear a few variations of this phrase, such as Einen guten Morgen (Good morning to you) or the more formal Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Morgen (I wish you a good morning). If you’re with friends, you may just call out Morgen (morning), or find other ways to say hello in German.
4. ‘Good morning’ in Italian: Buongiorno
Buongiorno is the standard way of saying “Good morning” in Italian. Like Spanish and French, this Italian greeting translates to “Good day.” You may also hear Buon dì when you’re in Italy, or just a shortened Giorno (Morning)!
If you’re parting with someone in the morning or early afternoon, say Buona giornata (Have a good day). Once the day gets later, say Buona serata instead (Have a good evening).
5. ‘Good morning’ in Chinese (Mandarin): 早上好 (Zǎo shàng hǎo)
早上好 (Zǎo shàng hǎo) means “Good morning” in Mandarin, though you may also hear 早安 (Zǎo ān), which translates to “Morning peace.” Both Mandarin phrases can be used in all situations, formal or informal.
For a more casual way to say “Good morning,” try the simplified 早 (Zǎo). It’s a common way to start a friendly conversation in a less formal setting.
6. ‘Good morning’ in Japanese: おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu)
おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) is used in formal interactions to say “Good morning” in Japanese, or when you want to show more politeness and respect. For casual situations, such as greeting close friends and family members, you can use おはよう (Ohayō) instead.
When the morning hours are over, use Japanese phrases like Konnichiwa (Hello, or Good afternoon) and Konbanwa (Good evening).
7. ‘Good morning’ in Korean: 좋은 아침이에요 (Joh-eun achim-ieyo)
The closest ways to say “Good morning” in Korean are 좋은 아침이에요 (joh-eun achim-ieyo) for formal situations and 좋은아침 (joh-eun achim) for casual interactions. However, these expressions aren’t very common in everyday Korean conversation.
Instead, use 잘 잤어요? (jal jat-ssuh-yo), a formal question that translates to “Did you sleep well?” For casual interactions, drop the honorifics and ask 잘 잤어? (jal jat-ssuh), or go with the popular Korean greeting for any time of the day: 안녕 (annyeong).
8. ‘Good morning’ in Arabic: صباح الخير (Sabah al-khayr)
صباح الخير (Sabah al-khayr) is the most common way to say “Good morning” in Arabic on both formal and informal occasions. You can respond with صباح النور (Sabah an-noor), which means “Morning of light.”
In casual conversation, you may hear صباحو (Sabaho), which just means “morning,” or a teasing صح النوم (Sabah-el noum) for someone falling asleep in the morning hours!
9. ‘Good morning’ in Hindi: शुभ प्रभात (Shubh prabhaat)
शुभ प्रभात (Shubh prabhaat) is the most popular way to say good morning for both polite and casual interactions in Hindi. In some areas of India, you may hear it pronounced Su prabhaat instead.
Once morning is over, feel free to say “Good afternoon” with the phrase शुभ दोपहर (Shubh dopahar) or “Good evening” शुभ संध्या (Shubh sandhya). However, you can say the most popular Hindi greeting, Namaste, all day long.
10. ‘Good morning’ in Russian: доброе утро (Dobroye utro)
When you’re wishing someone “Good morning” in Russian, say доброе утро (Dobroye utro), the most universal way to greet people in the morning. If you’re in a more casual setting, try добрым утром (S dobrym utrom).
To say “hello” in Russian at any time of the day, try the informal greeting привет (Privet), or a more formal Здравствуйте (Zdrastvuyte).
11. ‘Good morning’ in Ukrainian: Доброго ранку (Dobroho ranku)
In Ukraine, the proper morning greeting is Доброго ранку (Dobroho ranku). You can also use добрий день (Dsobryi den), or “Good day,” as another greeting during the daytime.
To respond, say І тобі доброго ранку (I tobi dobroho ranku), which means “And a good morning to you, too!” If you’d like to ask how the person is doing in Ukrainian, try Доброго ранку, як справи? (Dobroho ranku, yak spravy?)
12. ‘Good morning’ in Greek: Καλημέρα (Kaliméra)
Καλημέρα (Kaliméra) is the most universal way to say “Good morning” in Greek. It literally translates to “Good day,” wishing your conversation partner a nice day early in the morning.
However, if you’re speaking with someone in Greek before noon, say καλησπέρα (Kalispera) instead. Don’t mix it up with the Greek greeting καληνύχτα (kalinichta), which wishes someone a “Good night” as they’re going to bed.
13. ‘Good morning’ in Hebrew: בוקר טוב (Boker tov)
בוקר טוב (Boker tov) is the most common way to say “Good morning” in Hebrew for both informal and formal interactions. You’ll often hear בוקר אור (Boker or) in response, which translates to “Morning of light.”
Later in the day, say “Good afternoon” with the phrase צהריים טובים (Tzhari’im tovim). And when the sun sets, greet friends and loved ones with ערב טוב (Arv tov)
14. ‘Good morning’ in Dutch: Goedemorgen
If the Dutch greeting Goedemorgen looks like the English “Good morning,” there’s a good reason! Both Dutch and English are Germanic languages, so they share many vocabulary words and sentence patterns.
For casual or informal settings, Goedemorgen can also be shortened to just Morgen. In response, you can say Goedemorgen back, or ask them how they’re doing with Goedemorgen, hoe gaat het?
15. ‘Good morning’ in Swedish: God morgon
God morgon is the formal way to say “Good morning” in Swedish, but you may hear a variety of different greetings in the early hours of the day. God dag (Good day) is a more casual greeting, as is Morron (Morning).
Later in the day, say God eftermiddag or God middag for “Good afternoon.” And in the evening, common Swedish greetings are God afton and God kväll.
16. ‘Good morning’ in Irish Gaelic: Maidin mhaith
While Maidin mhaith is the literal translation of “Good morning” from English, it’s rarely used. Instead, Irish speakers commonly say Dia duit, which means “Hello” at any time of the day. (If you’re speaking to multiple people, say Dia daoibh).
No matter whether it’s morning, evening, or night, you can follow up your Irish greeting with Conas atá tú (How are you?).
17. ‘Good morning’ in Portuguese: Bom dia
Bom dia means “Good day” in both Portugal and Brazil, and is appropriate for both formal and informal interactions. To respond, say Bom dia back, or Bom dia, tudo bem? (Good morning, how are you?)
Late in the day, you can say Boa tarde (Good afternoon) or Boa noite (Good evening). For a fun, casual greeting any time of the day, just use the shortened Boas!
18. ‘Good morning’ in Navajo: Yá’át’ééh abíní
The Navajo word abíní means “morning,” and yá’át’ééh translates to “It is good.” When you combine these words, you get Yá’át’ééh abíní, which greets Navajo speakers with “Good morning!”
Learning greetings in Navajo and other native languages is a good way to preserve indigenous languages in the linguistic record. Try using phrases like Nił haahootʼé (How are you) and Nizhónígo Nee Ado’ááł (Have a nice day) the next time you’re working on Navajo expressions.
19.’Good morning’ in Tagalog (Filipino): Magandang umaga po
Magandang umaga po is the polite way to say “Good morning” in Tagalog, as po indicates that you’re speaking to elders or someone in a formal setting. In casual interactions, you can say the Tagalog phrase Magandang umaga.
Respond to “Good morning” in Tagalog with Kumusta ka (How are you), or switch to an afternoon greeting when you say Magandang hapon.
20. ‘Good morning’ in Vietnamese: Chào buổi sáng
The official translation for “Good morning” in Vietnamese is Chào buổi sáng. However, it’s hardly ever used in everyday Vietnamese conversation.
Instead, use Xin chào and Chào to greet others in the morning or any other time of day. Both phrases mean “Hello,” with the latter one being a more casual expression.
21. ‘Good morning’ in Indonesian (Bahasa): Selamat pagi
If you’re speaking in Indonesian, say Selamat pagi for “Good morning” on both formal and informal occasions. You can respond with the same greeting and add Apa kabarmu? (How are you?)
Most greetings in Indonesian start with Selamat (happy or peaceful), including Selamat Siang (Good day, until late afternoon), Selamat sore (Good afternoon, from late afternoon to sunset), and Selamat malam (Good evening, after sunset).
22. ‘Good morning’ in Thai: สวัสดีตอนเช้า (S̄wạs̄dī txn chêā)
Although สวัสดีตอนเช้า (S̄wạs̄dī txn chêā) is the official translation for “good morning” in Thai, the locals don’t use it. Instead, you can say สวัสดีครับ (Sawatdee khrap) if you identify as a man, or สวัสดีค่ะ (Sawatdee kha) if you identify as a woman.
This expression is the most versatile greeting in Thai, as it’s used to say anything from “Hello” and “Good morning” to “Goodbye.” Best of all, you can use it any time of the day!
23. ‘Good morning’ in Farsi (Persian): صبح بخیر (Sobh bekheir)
صبح بخیر (Sobh bekheir) is the most common way to say good morning in Persian. It directly translates to “Wishing you a good morning,” and is a nice way to pass on positive greetings before noon in Persian-speaking communities.
بعد از ظهر بخیر (Baad az zohr be-kheir) means “Good afternoon,” and عصر بخیر (Asr be-kheir) is the common Persian greeting for “Good evening.”
24. ‘Good morning’ in Turkish: Günaydın
When you’re speaking Turkish, the phrase Günaydın is the most common way to say “Good morning” in both formal and informal situations. It translates to “Day bright,” and wishes others a clear, bright day ahead.
You may also hear the phrase İyi sabahlar, the literal translation of “Good morning,” though this greeting is less common than Günaydın. A more formal morning greeting, Sabah şerifleriniz hayrolsun, means “May your blessed day have goodness.”
25. ‘Good morning’ in Polish: Dzień dobry
Dzień dobry is a polite Polish greeting to say both “Good morning” and “Good afternoon.” Once the evening hours set in, say Dobry wieczór instead, or say goodbye for the night with Dobranoc.
For a casual conversation, feel free to say Cześć (Hello) any time of the day. And if you’re with friends, try out the popular phrase Siema (What’s up?)
Go beyond greetings with Rosetta Stone
While learning “Good morning” in different languages can help you start speaking a new language, you’ll need to master more phrases to carry on a whole conversation. Whether you want to say “Hello” in different languages or learn a language to build deeper relationships with family, connect with clients, or befriend locals, Rosetta Stone can help.
Through the unique Dynamic Immersion approach to learning, you’ll interact with real-world images and text in your new language and hear audio from native speakers. Plus, each lesson only takes 10 minutes and can be completed on the go with the Rosetta Stone app. Each of these tools makes it easier than ever to get started on your language journey today!
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