Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, it is common to use Que descanses, hermanita to say "Rest well, little sister" and Que pases una bella noche, hermanita querida to mean "Have a beautiful night, dear little sister". In Spain, you can use Que tengas una buena noche, hermanita to mean "Have a good night, little sister" or Descansa bien, hermanita queridita to mean "Rest well, dear little sister".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the feminine plural adjective buenas to agree with the feminine plural noun noches. The word hermana is the feminine form. If you were speaking to a brother, you would use the masculine form hermano.
When do people say it?
An informal way to express affection when wishing a sister well is ¡Que duermas como un ángel, hermanita adorada!, which means "Sleep like an angel, cherished little sister."
Did you know?
- The word hermana shares an ancient root with the English word 'germane', which refers to being closely related or belonging to the same family.
- While hermana translates to 'sister', in religious contexts it is the standard term for a 'nun', meaning a person could be wished buenas noches, hermana without being family.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a close female friend hermana or hermanita is a very common way to show deep affection, even if there is no biological relation.
Examples in context
- Que duermas bien, querida hermanaMay you sleep well, dear sister
- Buenas noches, hermana. Que descanses.Good night, sister. Rest well.
- Buenas noches, hermana, que descanses.Good night, sister, rest well.
- Dile a ella: buenas noches, hermana.Tell her: good night, sister.
- Buenas noches, hermana, nos vemos mañana.Good night, sister, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
María and her brother are going to their separate bedrooms.
- MaríaBuenas noches, hermana.Good night, sister.
- JavierBuenas noches, María.Good night, María.
- María¿Mañana te despiertas temprano?Are you waking up early tomorrow?
- JavierSí, muy temprano.Yes, very early.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buenas, hermana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
