How to Say “Goodnight” in Marshallese

By Marie Addison • Updated October 1, 2026

iakwe

The Marshallese phrase for goodnight is iakwe.

iakwe is used as a greeting to say goodbye or to wish someone well at the end of the day.

Did you know?

The word iakwe is used not only for 'goodnight' but also as 'hello', 'goodbye', and 'love'. It is the universal pillar of Marshallese social interaction.

Example conversation

Joseph and Mary are saying goodbye before going to sleep.

Joseph

Iakwe, Mary.
Goodnight, Mary.
Mary

Iakwe, Joseph.
Goodnight, Joseph.
Joseph

Kōmāne bōk.
Sleep well.
Mary

Yōkwo, kōmāne bōk.
Thanks, sleep well too.

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About The Author

Marie Addison

Hola, I'm Marie. My passion for the Chamorro language led me to write comprehensive guides on different phrases and expressions. You may say I'm a language enthusiast with an affinity for teaching. When I'm not exploring new words and tutorials, I Iove to paint and play the ukulele. Avid traveler, foodie, and believer of cultural preservation, helping you learn how to say "Always" or "Angel" in Chamorro brings joy to my heart. My love for Chamorro led me to its neighbor Marshallese, and I now write guides on how to say things in Marshallese as well. Join me on this journey to learn and explore Chamorro.

Marie AddisonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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