இனிய இரவு
iṉiya iravu/ɪnɪjɐ ɪɾɐʋɯ/
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Tamil as இனிய இரவு (iṉiya iravu).
இனிய இரவு is often used in formal writing, broadcasts or scripted speech rather than casual daily conversation.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of இனிய (iṉiya), meaning "pleasant" or "sweet" and இரவு (iravu), meaning "night".
How do you pronounce it?
iṉiya iravu (/ɪnɪjɐ ɪɾɐʋɯ/)
Did you know?
- The word இனிய (inya) is the same root used to describe delicious desserts like இனிப்பு (inippu), so you are essentially wishing someone a 'sweet' night.
- In many Tamil households, instead of a formal 'good night', people use the phrase 'poi thoongu' (go sleep), which sounds blunt in English but is a standard, affectionate way to end the day.
Example sentences for Tamil are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Anita and Sandosh are saying goodbye before going to sleep.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshநான் தூங்கப் போகிறேன்.naan thoonga pogiren.I am going to sleep.
- அனிதா Anitaசரி, இனிய இரவு சந்தோஷ்.sari, iniya iravu santhosh.Okay, good night Sandosh.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஉங்களுக்கும் இனிய இரவு அனிதா.ungalukkum iniya iravu anitha.Good night to you too, Anita.
- அனிதா Anitaநாளை காலை சந்திப்போம்.naalai kaalai sandhippom.See you tomorrow morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good night” translations and entries இனிய இரவு, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries இனிய, இரவு, CC BY-SA 4.0.
