晚安，做个好梦
wǎn'ān, zuò ge hǎo mèng
The English phrase "good night sweet dreams" is translated into Chinese as 晚安，做个好梦 (wǎn'ān, zuò ge hǎo mèng).
This phrase is used to wish someone a restful sleep and pleasant dreams before they go to bed. It is most commonly used between romantic partners, close family members or very close friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 晚安 (good night) and 做个好梦 (do/have a good dream).
Which one should you use?
While 晚安，做个好梦 is a complete thought, you may also encounter 祝你晚安，做个好梦, which means "Wish you a good night and sweet dreams," or 希望你有个好梦, which translates to "Hope you have a good dream."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard 晚安 (wǎn ān) is the most common and widely used way to say "good night" in Chinese. For a more relaxed and colloquial feeling, you can use the informal version 晚安啦.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 做个好梦, the word 个 is a measure word that is often pronounced with a neutral tone in natural speech.
How do you pronounce it?
wǎn'ān, zuò ge hǎo mèng
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'sweet dreams', Chinese speakers use the verb 做 (to do/make) in 做个好梦, treating a dream as an activity one performs rather than a state one experiences.
- The word 安 (ān) in 晚安 doesn't just mean 'peaceful' or 'calm', it carries a deep historical connotation of 'safety' and 'stability', suggesting you will be safe through the night.
- While 'sweet dreams' is a common sentiment in English, Chinese speakers sometimes use the word 美梦 (měimèng), which literally means 'beautiful dream', to convey the same poetic feeling.
Examples in context
- 宝贝，晚安，做个好梦。Bǎobèi, wǎn'ān, zuò ge hǎo mèng.Baby, good night, sweet dreams.
- 早点休息，晚安，做个好梦。Zǎodiǎn xiūxi, wǎn'ān, zuò ge hǎo mèng.Get some rest, good night, sweet dreams.
Example conversation
Haoran is saying goodbye to Yuting over a phone call before bed.
- 浩然 Haoran雨婷，该睡觉了。Yǔtíng, gāi shuìjiào le.Yuting, it is time to sleep.
- 雨婷 Yuting好，我也准备睡了。Hǎo, wǒ yě zhǔnbèi shuì le.Okay, I am ready to sleep too.
- 浩然 Haoran晚安，做个好梦。Wǎn'ān, zuò ge hǎo mèng.Good night, sweet dreams.
- 雨婷 Yuting你也一样，晚安。Nǐ yě yīyàng, wǎn'ān.You too, good night.
