buonanotte, sogni d'oro
The English phrase "good night, sweet dreams" is translated into Italian as buonanotte, sogni d'oro.
buonanotte, sogni d'oro is a common and affectionate way to bid someone goodnight before they go to sleep. It serves to wish someone a restful sleep and pleasant dreams.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression sogni d'oro literally translates to "dreams of gold".
Which one should you use?
While buonanotte is often written as a single word when used as an interjection, the two-word version buona notte is also grammatically correct and carries the same meaning of "good night".
Did you know?
- The word buonanotte can be used as a sarcastic exclamation to tell someone they are talking nonsense or have lost touch with reality, similar to saying 'good day' to end a conversation abruptly.
- While English speakers say 'sweet dreams', saying sogni dolci in Italy sounds like a clumsy translation from a foreign language and is rarely used by natives.
- To add extra tenderness for a child or loved one, Italians often rhyme the phrase by saying sogni d'oro, tesoro, which adds the word for 'treasure'.
Examples in context
- Ciao, amore! Buona notte e sogni d'oroGood night, my love. Sweet dreams.
- Buona notte, tesoro. Sogni dolciGood night, darling. Sweet dreams.
- Buona notte, stellina mia. Sogni d'oroGood night, my little star. Golden dreams.
- Dormi bene, angioletto. Sogni dolcissimiSleep well, little angel. Very sweet dreams.
- Buonanotte, sogni d'oro a te!Good night, sweet dreams to you!
- Buonanotte, sogni d'oro a tutti.Good night, sweet dreams to everyone.
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are saying goodbye before going to their separate rooms.
- MartinaSono molto stanca, vado a dormire.I am very tired, I am going to sleep.
- LorenzoVa bene, buonanotte, sogni d'oro, Martina.Alright, good night, sweet dreams, Martina.
- MartinaGrazie, anche a te, Lorenzo.Thanks, to you too, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoA domani!See you tomorrow!
