晚安，我爱你
wǎn'ān, wǒ ài nǐ
The English phrase "goodnight, I love you" is translated into Chinese as 晚安，我爱你 (wǎn'ān, wǒ ài nǐ).
This phrase is used to express affection to someone before they go to sleep. You can increase the affectionate impact of your message by using endearing terms like 亲爱的.
What does it mean word for word?
The component 晚安 literally means "late peace".
Which one should you use?
You may encounter 晚安啊，我爱你哦, which adds a sense of familiarity and endearment. Another variation is 宝贝，晚安，我爱你, which expresses love in a sweet and romantic way.
How do you pronounce it?
wǎn'ān, wǒ ài nǐ
Did you know?
- In much of Mainland China, particularly in digital chat, people often use numbers as slang. A person might send '520' to mean 'I love you' because the numbers 'wǔ èr líng' sound somewhat similar to 'wǒ ài nǐ'.
- In many Chinese-speaking regions, expressing 'I love you' via text or speech can feel intensely heavy or even dramatic for daily use. Couples often prefer using more subtle, indirect actions or different, less 'weighty' words to show affection.
- The word for 'peace' in 晚安, which is 安, is the same character used in 'safety' and 'stability'. Saying 'goodnight' is linguistically closer to wishing someone a night of being safe and undisturbed.
Examples in context
- 晚安，我爱你。Wǎn'ān, wǒ ài nǐ.Goodnight, I love you.
- 宝贝，晚安，我爱你。Bǎobèi, wǎn'ān, wǒ ài nǐ.Baby, goodnight, I love you.
- 亲爱的，晚安，我爱你。Qīn'ài de, wǎn'ān, wǒ ài nǐ.Darling, goodnight, I love you.
Example conversation
A couple is talking on the phone before going to bed.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，我该睡觉了。Wěi, wǒ gāi shuìjiào le.Wei, I should go to sleep.
- 伟 Wei好，晚安，我爱你，晓雯。Hǎo, wǎn'ān, wǒ ài nǐ, Xiǎowén.Okay, goodnight, I love you, Xiaowen.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我也爱你，晚安。Wǒ yě ài nǐ, wǎn'ān.I love you too, goodnight.
- 伟 Wei做个好梦。Zuò gè hǎo mèng.Have sweet dreams.
