споко́йной но́чи
spokójnoj nóči
The English phrase 'good night' is translated into Russian as споко́йной но́чи (spokójnoj nóči) or до́брой но́чи.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| споко́йной но́чи | spokójnoj nóči |
| до́брой но́чи | dóbroj nóči |
Both phrases are used exclusively as a farewell when someone is going to sleep or retiring for the night. They are not used as a greeting when arriving somewhere at night.
What does it mean word for word?
споко́йной но́чи literally translates to 'of peaceful night' and до́брой но́чи literally translates to 'of good night'.
Which one should you use?
споко́йной но́чи is the most common way to say 'good night' and specifically wishes the person a peaceful or quiet night. до́брой но́чи is slightly more formal or poetic.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both forms use the genitive case, which implies the elliptical phrase '[I wish you] of a peaceful night'.
How do you pronounce it?
spokójnoj nóči
Did you know?
- If someone is leaving a party late at night but not going to bed, a Russian would say до свида́ния or пока́ instead of споко́йной но́чи, as the latter specifically implies sleep.
- If you are speaking to a child, you might use a diminutive or 'cute' version of the words to make the 'peaceful night' sound even more comforting and tender.
- The use of the genitive case in споко́йной но́чи is a remnant of an old formulaic wish where the speaker implicitly says 'I wish you [the experience] of a peaceful night'.
Examples in context
- Споко́йной но́чи, дорогие друзья.Spokoynoy nochi, dorogiye druz'ya.Good night, dear friends.
- Я иду спать. Споко́йной но́чи!Ya idu spat'. Spokoynoy nochi!I am going to sleep. Good night!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good night” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
