ar labu nakti
The English phrase "goodnight" is translated into Latvian as ar labu nakti.
ar labu nakti is used both when leaving someone late at night and when wishing someone a good sleep before bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "with a good night".
Did you know?
- The word nakts comes from a root that is not only shared with English 'night' but also with the Sanskrit word nakti, showing the ancient spread of the language family.
- While ar labu nakti is the standard wish, Latvians often use the phrase saldi sapņo to mean 'sweet dreams'. This translates literally to 'dream sweetly' and is used almost exclusively with children or romantic partners.
- The preposition ar in this phrase is an ancient remnant from Proto-Indo-European, making it a distant linguistic relative of the Greek word ἄρα.
Examples in context
- Ar labu nakti, visiem!Goodnight, everyone!
- Es eju gulēt. Ar labu nakti!I am going to sleep. Goodnight!
Example conversation
Linearly and Māris are saying goodbye at the end of a party.
- linearlyPaldies par vakaru, Māri!Thanks for the evening, Māris!
- MārisMan arī patika. Brauc uzmanīgi.I enjoyed it too. Drive carefully.
- linearlyPaldies, ar labu nakti!Thanks, goodnight!
- MārisAr labu nakti, Linearly!Goodnight, Linearly!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
