शुभ रात्री
shubha ratri
The phrase "goodnight" in Nepali is शुभ रात्री (shubha ratri).
शुभ रात्री is a phrase used to wish someone a good night before they go to sleep or leave for the evening. In casual daily conversation, many Nepali speakers may simply use the English word "goodnight" or skip a formal greeting entirely when going to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of shubha meaning auspicious or good and ratri meaning night.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
शुभ रात्री is a formal way to say goodnight and is often used in written or polite spoken contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
shubha ratri
When do people say it?
To address someone older within a goodnight wish, you can add the word dai.
Did you know?
- In many traditional Nepali households, a formal 'goodnight' is less common than a gesture of respect, such as touching the feet of an elder before retiring for the night.
- Because the phrase शुभ रात्री is rooted in Sanskrit, it is understood by speakers of many other Indo-Aryan languages across South Asia, not just Nepali.
- If you are staying in a guest house, saying shubha ratri to the host might sound slightly too dramatic or poetic, as it is often reserved for formal written cards or scripted speeches.
Examples in context
- शुभ रात्री, साथी।shubha rātri, sāthī.Goodnight, friend.
- सबैलाई शुभ रात्री!sabailāī shubha rātri!Goodnight to everyone!
- अब म सुत्छु, शुभ रात्री।aba ma sutchu, shubha rātri.I'm going to sleep now, goodnight.
Example conversation
A brother and sister are finishing their conversation before bed.
- सुमित Sumitसृजना, अब सुत्ने समय भयो।srijanā, aba sutne samaya bhayo.Srijana, it is time to sleep now.
- सृजना Srijanaहुन्छ, सुमित दाइ, शुभ रात्री।huncha, sumit dāi, shubha rātri.Okay, brother Sumit, goodnight.
- सुमित Sumitशुभ रात्री, राम्रोसँग सुत।shubha rātri, rāmrosanga suta.Goodnight, sleep well.
- सृजना Srijanaहस्, शुभ रात्री।has, shubha rātri.Okay, goodnight.
