Buenas noches, que descanses
The English phrase "good night, sleep tight" can be expressed in Spanish as Buenas noches, que descanses.
This phrase is a friendly way to wish someone a good night and a restful sleep. While Buenas noches can serve as a greeting when arriving in the evening, it is also used as a farewell when leaving or going to bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The part que descanses literally translates to "may you rest," using the subjunctive mood to express a wish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the affectionate phrase ¡Que descanses mi vida! to mean "Rest well, my love!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on who you are addressing. To wish a good night to more than one person, use the plural form que descansen.
Did you know?
- The word que in que descanses is a distant relative of the English word 'who'. Both trace their origins back to the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to accompany buenas noches with a kiss on both cheeks when greeting someone in a social evening setting, rather than just as a farewell before bed.
- In some regions, people use the phrase que descanses not just for sleep, but as a way to wish someone a relaxing break or vacation.
Examples in context
- Buenas noches, que descanses mucho.Good night, sleep tight (rest a lot).
- Buenas noches, que descanses bien.Good night, have a good rest.
- Ya es tarde, buenas noches, que descanses.It is late already, good night, sleep tight.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are saying goodbye at the end of a phone call.
- LucíaTengo mucho sueño, hablamos mañana.I am very sleepy, we will talk tomorrow.
- JavierVale, buenas noches, que descanses, Lucía.Okay, good night, sleep tight, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, igualmente para ti, Javier.Thanks, the same to you, Javier.
- JavierHasta mañana.See you tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buenas, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
