добра ноќ
dobra noḱ[dɔbra ˈnɔc]feminine
In Macedonian, "good night" can be expressed as добра ноќ (dobra noḱ) or лека ноќ.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Macedonian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| добра ноќ | dobra noḱ | [dɔbra ˈnɔc] (narrow) | feminine |
| лека ноќ | leka noḱ | [lɛka ˈnɔc] (narrow) |
Both phrases function as farewells. добра ноќ is a versatile phrase used both as a farewell when leaving a social gathering in the evening and as a wish before sleep. лека ноќ is used more specifically when someone is actually going to sleep or retiring for the night.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase добра ноќ is composed of the adjective добра (good) and the noun ноќ (night). The phrase лека ноќ is composed of the adjective лека (light/easy) and the noun ноќ (night).
Which one should you use?
While both mean "good night", лека ноќ is the more common, idiomatic way to wish someone a restful sleep, whereas добра ноќ is a more literal translation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form добра ноќ is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
dobra noḱ
Did you know?
- The word ноќ shares a common ancestor with the English word 'night', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root *nokwt-.
- In Macedonian, the concept of a 'heavy' night is often associated with bad luck or bad omens, which is why wishing for a 'light' one is so culturally significant.
- The adjective лека used in лека ноќ also appears in Macedonian expressions for recovery from illness, linking a 'light' night to a healing process.
Examples in context
- Му посакав добра ноќ.I told him good night.This sentence shows the use of добра ноќ to express wishing someone good night.Tatoeba #4126831 by Lepotdeterre, translation #3249371 by nava
- Посакај им лека ноќ, Том.Say good night, Tom.This sentence demonstrates how to use лека ноќ when addressing someone.Tatoeba #4373936 by Lepotdeterre, translation #3371181 by CK
- Лека ноќ! Време е малите девојчиња да појдат во кревет.Good night! It's time for little girls to go to bed.This sentence shows the use of лека ноќ as a farewell before bed.Tatoeba #4057712 by Lepotdeterre, translation #3335641 by _undertoad
- Добра ноќ! Се надевам дека ќе имате пријатен сон.Good night! I hope you have a pleasant sleep.
- Лека ноќ! Сонувај слатко!Good night! Sleep sweetly!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ana and Filip are saying goodbye at the end of a phone call.
- Ана AnaДобра ноќ, Филип.Dobra nokj, Filip.Good night, Filip.
- Филип FilipДобра ноќ, Ана.Dobra nokj, Ana.Good night, Ana.
- Ана AnaСе слушаме утре.Se slushame utre.We will talk tomorrow.
- Филип FilipДа, се слушаме.Da, se slushame.Yes, we will talk.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good night” translations and entries добра ноќ, лека ноќ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ноќ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
