dobrou noc
[dobrou̯ not͡s]
The English phrase goodnight is translated into Czech as dobrou noc.
dobrou noc is used as a farewell when leaving a social gathering late at night or as a bedtime wish for someone who is going to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective dobrou (good, in the feminine accusative case) and the noun noc (night, in the accusative case).
Which one should you use?
While dobrou noc is used when someone is going to sleep or leaving for the night, the phrase dobrou večeři is used specifically to wish someone a good dinner or supper.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the accusative case because it is a shortened version of a wish such as 'I wish you a good night' (přeji vám dobrou noc).
Did you know?
- While dobrou noc is for sleep, Czechs use dobrý večer to say 'good evening' upon arriving at a place. Confusing the two can make it sound like you are telling your host to go to bed as soon as you arrive.
- The word noc is the root of the Czech word for 'nightmare', which is noční můra, where můra refers to a haunting or a feverish vision.
- The word noc shares a Proto-Slavic ancestor with the English word 'night', showing how these two seemingly different sounds evolved from the same ancient root.
Examples in context
- Tom popřál rodičům dobrou noc.Tom said goodnight to his parents.This sentence shows how to use dobrou noc when reporting a wish made to parents.Tatoeba #7564979 by Ergulis, translation #6258280 by CK
- Dobrou noc, mami.Goodnight, Mother.This example demonstrates using dobrou noc when addressing a mother.Tatoeba #6028513 by juliac, translation #869217 by ColinG
- Dobrou noc.Goodnight.This is a simple example of using dobrou noc as a standalone phrase.Tatoeba #385247 by vinhan, translation #7822164 by sharris123
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomáš and Jana are going to bed.
- TomášUž jsem unavený, jdu spát.I'm already tired, I'm going to sleep.
- JanaJá taky, dobrou noc, Tomáši.Me too, goodnight, Tomáš.
- TomášDobrou noc, Jano.Goodnight, Jana.
- JanaSladkých snů.Sweet dreams.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dobrou noc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries noc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
