おやすみなさい
oyasumi nasaipolite
Good night in hiragana is おやすみなさい (oyasumi nasai) in polite speech and おやすみ (oyasumi) in casual speech. Use it when someone is going to bed or when you part for the night.
Meaning: bedtime farewell (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| おやすみなさい | oyasumi nasai | polite |
| おやすみ | oyasumi | casual |
Which one should you use?
こんばんは (konban wa) is the evening greeting for "good evening" when you meet someone. It is not used for going to bed.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Add なさい when speaking to elders or in polite settings. Between family and friends, おやすみ is enough.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word comes from the verb やすむ (yasumu), to rest, with the honorific お in front.
Did you know?
- People also write おやすみなさい on messages at the end of the evening, and a short おやすみ is common in chats between friends.
Examples in context
- おやすみなさい、またあした。Oyasumi nasai, mata ashita.Good night, see you tomorrow.
- おやすみ、いいゆめをみてね。Oyasumi, ii yume o mite ne.Good night, sweet dreams.
Example conversation
Hana says good night to her father, Dad, before going to bed.
- Hanaおとうさん、おやすみなさい。Otōsan, oyasumi nasai.Good night, Dad.
- Dadおやすみ、はなちゃん。Oyasumi, Hana-chan.Good night, Hana.
- Hanaあしたもあそんでね。Ashita mo asonde ne.Play with me again tomorrow.
