buenas noches, duerme bien
Good night, sleep well in Spanish is buenas noches, duerme bien.
buenas noches works both as good evening and as good night, so adding duerme bien makes it clear you are wishing someone a restful sleep.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American Spanish, Descansa bien y que sueñes con los angelitos is a charming version often said to children.
How does it change in a sentence?
duerme bien uses the informal command form of the verb meaning to sleep. With someone you address formally, say duerma bien. To a group, say duerman bien.
Did you know?
- The word bien in duerme bien shares a deep linguistic root with the English word 'bonus', both descending from the Latin 'bene' meaning 'well'.
- While English speakers often use 'good night' as a farewell, a Spanish speaker might use buenas noches to greet you upon entering a restaurant at 8:00 PM.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is customary to say buenas noches to everyone as you enter a room in the evening, rather than greeting people individually.
Examples in context
- Buenas noches, que descanse bien. Mañana tenemos una reunión importante.Good night, sleep well. We have an important meeting tomorrow.
- Que tenga una noche placentera y descanse bien. Espero que despierte renovado por la mañana.Have a pleasant night and sleep well. I hope you wake up refreshed in the morning.
- Descanse bien y que tenga dulces sueños. Le deseo una noche llena de serenidad.Sleep well and may you have sweet dreams. I wish you a peaceful night.
- Buenas noches, que duermas bien. Nos vemos mañana en la fiesta.Good night, sleep well. See you tomorrow at the party.
- Buenas noches, duerme bien, hasta mañana.Good night, sleep well, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are saying goodbye at the end of a phone call.
- SofíaYa es muy tarde, Daniel.It is very late now, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, me voy a la cama.You are right, I am going to bed.
- SofíaBuenas noches, duerme bien.Good night, sleep well.
- DanielGracias, Sofía, igualmente.Thanks, Sofia, you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, buenas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
