buenas noches, cariño
The English phrase "goodnight babe" translates to Spanish as buenas noches, cariño.
This phrase is used specifically for intimate partners or very close loved ones. It would be inappropriate for a casual acquaintance.
What does it mean word for word?
The term cariño is a term of endearment meaning "darling."
Which one should you use?
You can vary the level of romance or the specific term of endearment used. Replacing cariño with amor in buenas noches, amor provides a slightly more intense or romantic way to say "goodnight love". For an even more highly romantic alternative, you can say buenas noches, mi vida, which translates to "goodnight my life".
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, calling a partner mi amor or cariño is so common that it is used by street vendors and shopkeepers for many customers, not just romantic partners.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, instead of saying 'goodnight', people might say que sueñes con los angelitos, which means 'may you dream with the little angels'.
- If you want to sound more affectionate in Spain, you might replace cariño with cielo, which literally translates to 'sky' or 'heaven'.
Examples in context
- Buenas noches, cariño, que descanses.Goodnight, babe, rest well.
- Buenas noches, cariño, te amo.Goodnight, babe, I love you.
- Dulces sueños, buenas noches, cariño.Sweet dreams, goodnight, babe.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are saying goodbye before going to sleep in their apartment.
- LucíaYa es muy tarde, Javier.It is very late, Javier.
- JavierTienes razón, Lucía. Buenas noches, cariño.You are right, Lucía. Goodnight, babe.
- LucíaBuenas noches, cariño, hasta mañana.Goodnight, babe, see you tomorrow.
- JavierHasta mañana, descansa.See you tomorrow, rest up.
