Ar labunakti
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Latvian as Ar labunakti.
Ar labunakti is used as a farewell at the end of the night.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
Which one should you use?
While Ar labunakti is used as a farewell at the end of the night, you should use Labvakar to say "Good evening" as a greeting.
Did you know?
- In older Latvian poetry and folk songs, the concept of 'night' is often personified as a female entity, a tradition reflected in the feminine grammar of the word nakts.
- The word ar in Ar labunakti is a preposition that literally means 'with', making the phrase a literal way of saying 'With a good night'.
- While Ar labunakti is the standard farewell, Latvians often use Saldus sapņiem to mean 'sweet dreams' when speaking to children or partners.
Example conversation
Kristīne and Artūrs are saying goodbye before going to bed.
- KristīneEs eju gulēt. Ar labunakti, Artūr!I am going to sleep. Good night, Artūrs!
- ArtūrsAr labunakti, Kristīne!Good night, Kristīne!
- KristīneSacidīsim rītdienu.We will talk tomorrow.
- ArtūrsTā nu, līdz rītom!Alright, until tomorrow!
