Boa noite
neutral
In Portugal "good night" is Boa noite. Before bed you can also say Dorme bem to a friend or child, or Durma bem to someone you address formally. It is also called Bons sonhos.
Meaning: farewell at night (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Boa noite | neutral |
| Dorme bem | informal |
| Durma bem | formal |
| Bons sonhos | affectionate |
Bons sonhos means "sweet dreams" and is common with children. Boa noite also works as a greeting after dark.
Which one should you use?
Dorme bem is the imperative of dormir with tu, and Durma bem is the form for você or o senhor.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese Boa noite can be both hello and goodbye in the evening, so context tells you which one it is.
Examples in context
- Boa noite, até amanhã.Good night, see you tomorrow.
- Dorme bem, filha.Sleep well, daughter.
- Bons sonhos!Sweet dreams!
Example conversation
Ricardo puts his daughter Clara to bed in their home in Setúbal.
- RicardoJá é tarde, Clara. Boa noite.It is late, Clara. Good night.
- ClaraBoa noite, pai.Good night, Dad.
- RicardoDorme bem. Bons sonhos.Sleep well. Sweet dreams.
