Two questions -- When in South America, I said Buenas dias and always got the reply Buen dia, with the explanation that it was only ONE day. In class they did not explain that. So which is right?
Next question -- "as the crow flies" meaning the straightest line between two places. Is this expression used in other countries besides Australia, and what similar expressions are used in other countries?
shona
1
crazyeddie
Q1 No idea, but I believe Catalan uses "Bon dia".
Q2, used in UK & Ireland for sure, don't know about elsewhere.
3
lilylangtree
I think it's a question of local custom, rather than right or wrong. Buenos dias is certainly standard Spanish, but Buen dia is common in some regions too.
My Spanish idiom book gives "a vuelo de pajaro" as the equivalent of "as the crow flies".
5
stormboy
<blockquote>Quote
<hr>In Spain, we use "Buenos días" or "Buenas", being the second very informal<hr></blockquote>
#4 - Why does 'buenos' change to 'buenas' when used without 'dias'?
6
aife
There is no change in meaning nor anything. It's just a matter of use. Some people say 'Buen día' instead of 'Buenos días', especially people of a certain age or different countries, as well as in different areas in Spain.
'Buena tarde' or 'Buena noche' are not correct, though.
7
fieldgate
- Buen dia, buenas, buenos dias - that's one of those confusing things for beginners and travellers who learn 'as they go'. Thanks for bringing it up - it becomes much clearer now.
2. "as the crow flies" - in Polish "as the arrow flies", or "like the whip of a lash".
8
vinnyd
I don't want #5's question to be forgotten. Why does buenos dias become buenas when the dias is dropped?
9
aife
Because it does not refer to the word 'días' at all. It is now popularised as a greeting mode and it is, I think, closely related to the expression 'estar de buenas', which means 'to be in good spirits'.
More info in Spanish.
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