おやすみなさい
The English phrase 'good night formally' is translated into Japanese as おやすみなさい.
The phrase おやすみなさい is used specifically when someone is actually going to bed or when a conversation is ending for the night. It is not a general greeting used when meeting someone in the evening.
Which one should you use?
The phrase おやすみなさい is the polite version, whereas おやすみ is the casual version used with friends or family.
Did you know?
- The word なさい in the phrase is the polite imperative form of the verb 'to do'.
- In the world of Japanese anime and manga, a character using the casual おやすみ instead of the formal おやすみなさい is a common shorthand to show a sudden shift in intimacy between characters.
- While おやすみ is casual, it is common for parents to use the formal おやすみなさい with their children to model polite speech and teach them proper etiquette from a young age.
Examples in context
- 皆様、おやすみなさい。Minasama, oyasuminasai.Good night, everyone.
- それでは、おやすみなさい。Sore de wa, oyasuminasai.Well then, good night.
Example conversation
A polite conversation between two colleagues leaving the office late at night.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さん、お疲れ様でした。Hiroto-san, otsukaresama deshita.Good work, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんも、お疲れ様でした。Himari-san mo, otsukaresama deshita.Good work to you too, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariおやすみなさい。Oyasuminasai.Good night.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry おやすみなさい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
