bonne nuit
/bɔn nɥi/
The English phrase "enjoy your night" is translated into French as bonne nuit.
bonne nuit is a parting wish used specifically when the person you are speaking to is retiring for sleep. While it is often translated as "good night", it serves the purpose of wishing someone a good night's sleep before they go to bed.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between bonne nuit and bonne soirée. Use bonne nuit only when someone is actually going to sleep. If you are wishing someone a pleasant evening while they are still out or active, use bonne soirée instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Bonne soirée, meaning "Good evening", is widely used across French-speaking regions.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔn nɥi/
Did you know?
- In romantic contexts, bonne nuit is often followed by fais de beaux rêves, which tells the person to 'make beautiful dreams'.
- In France, saying bonne nuit to someone who is not actually going to sleep can be interpreted as a hint that you want them to leave.
- The French word nuit shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'night' and the Latin word nox.
Examples in context
- Madame Dupont, je vous souhaite une agréable soiréeMs. Dupont, I wish you a pleasant evening
- Passe une bonne soirée, mon ami(e)Have a good evening, my friend
- Bonne nuit, tout le monde.Good night, everyone.
- Je vais me coucher, bonne nuit.I am going to bed, good night.
- Bonne nuit et fais de beaux rêves.Good night and sweet dreams.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are saying goodnight before sleeping in a shared apartment.
- EmmaIl est tard, je vais dormir.It is late, I am going to sleep.
- HugoD'accord, bonne nuit Emma.Okay, good night Emma.
- EmmaBonne nuit Hugo.Good night Hugo.
- HugoÀ demain.See you tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bonne nuit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nuit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
