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Good night in many languages
The last words of the day tend to stay with us β a soft "sleep well" from a parent, a "sweet dreams" whispered over a video call. Here's how to send someone off to sleep with kindness, in more than 25 languages, from "Oyasumi nasai" in Japan to "OΓche mhaith" in Ireland.
Why goodnight wishes sound so gentle
Notice how many good-night phrases include a wish for rest itself, not just a farewell β Spanish "que descanses" (rest well), Swahili "lala salama" (sleep in peace), Hindi "shubh ratri" (auspicious night). Saying goodnight isn't just marking the end of the day; in most cultures, it's a small blessing for the hours you can't see, when the people you love are somewhere else, asleep.
Good night wishes around the world
Search for a language below, or scroll by region. Tap "Copy" on any card to paste the wish straight into a message.
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Europe
Asia & the Pacific
Middle East & Africa
Fun facts about goodnight wishes
- Swahili's "Lala salama" literally means "sleep in peace" β salama is the same root used in greetings of safety and wellbeing across East Africa.
- In MΔori, "PΕ mΔrie" means "peaceful night" β mΔrie also appears in blessings and prayers, giving the goodnight wish a gentle, almost spiritual tone.
- Hebrew's "Laila tov" pairs "laila" (night) with "tov" (good) β the very same "tov" you'll find in "Boker tov" (good morning) and "Erev tov" (good evening).
Frequently Asked Questions About Good Night in Different Languages
How do you say Good Night in different languages?
Good Night is expressed differently across languages. For example, Bonne nuit is French, Gute Nacht is German, and Oyasuminasai is Japanese. The appropriate phrase depends on the language and context.
How do you say Good Night in French?
Bonne nuit is the common French expression for Good Night, especially when someone is going to bed.
How do you say Good Night in German?
Gute Nacht is the German expression for Good Night.
How do you say Good Night in Japanese?
Oyasuminasai is a polite Japanese expression used to say Good Night before going to sleep.
What is the difference between Good Evening and Good Night?
Good Evening is generally used to greet someone in the evening, while Good Night is commonly used when saying goodbye at night or wishing someone a restful sleep.
Why learn to say Good Night in other languages?
Learning Good Night greetings in other languages helps you appreciate different cultures and share thoughtful bedtime wishes with friends, family, and people around the world.