Boa noite, durma bem!
bedtime, polite
At bedtime Brazilians say Boa noite, durma bem!, meaning "good night, sleep well". Closer people say Bons sonhos! (sweet dreams) or the casual Dorme bem!
Meaning: wish said before sleep (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Boa noite, durma bem! | bedtime, polite |
| Bons sonhos! | affectionate |
| Dorme bem! | casual, Brazil |
Parents, partners and friends add durma bem or bons sonhos to boa noite when someone is heading to bed. On its own boa noite is also an evening greeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Durma is the polite command form, while dorme is the everyday spoken form that many Brazilians use with friends and family, even though textbooks teach the first one.
When do people say it?
Messages at night in Brazil often end with Boa noite plus a moon emoji or a kiss, as in Boa noite, beijos.
Did you know?
- The traditional children's bedtime figure in Brazil is the Boi da Cara Preta, a bogeyman in a lullaby that warns children to sleep.
Examples in context
- Boa noite, mãe. Durma bem!Good night, mom. Sleep well!
- Bons sonhos, meu amor.Sweet dreams, my love.
- Dorme bem e até amanhã!Sleep well and see you tomorrow!
Example conversation
Ana tucks in her son Davi at home in Goiânia.
- AnaHora de dormir, Davi.Time to sleep, Davi.
- DaviSó mais uma história?Just one more story?
- AnaAmanhã. Boa noite, bons sonhos.Tomorrow. Good night, sweet dreams.
- DaviBoa noite, mãe.Good night, mom.
