buenas noches, nena
The English phrase 'good night baby girl' is translated into Spanish as buenas noches, nena.
Buenas noches, nena is an affectionate and informal way to say good night to a female partner or a young girl. The term nena acts as a term of endearment meaning 'baby' or 'darling'.
Which one should you use?
The word nena is the feminine form used for a girl or female partner. If you wanted to say 'good night baby boy', you would use the masculine form nene instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word nena is the feminine singular form of the noun used to refer to a young girl or a female partner affectionately.
Did you know?
- In Spain, nene and nena are often used to describe someone who is acting childish or spoiled, regardless of their actual age.
- Even though buenas noches is used for the greeting 'good night', it is also the standard way to say 'good evening' when arriving at a place.
- While nena is affectionate, using it with a woman you do not know can be seen as patronizing or overly familiar depending on the country.
Examples in context
- Buenas noches, nena, descansa bien.Good night, baby girl, rest well.
- Que sueñes con los angelitos, buenas noches, nena.Dream of the little angels, good night, baby girl.
- Buenas noches, nena, te veo mañana.Good night, baby girl, I will see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Javier is saying goodbye to Elena before she goes to sleep.
- JavierYa es hora de dormir, buenas noches, nena.It is time to sleep, good night, baby girl.
- ElenaGracias, cariño, buenas noches.Thank you, honey, good night.
- JavierQue duermas muy bien, Elena.Sleep very well, Elena.
- ElenaTú también, hasta mañana.You too, see you tomorrow.
