buenas noches
/ˌbwenas ˈnot͡ʃes/
buenas noches is the Spanish way to say goodnight.
In English, people often distinguish between a greeting upon arrival (good evening) and a parting phrase (goodnight). In Spanish, buenas noches is used for both greeting someone in the evening and saying goodbye at night. You might also use other expressions depending on the situation: Que descanses is a polite way to say goodnight that literally means 'rest well', while Que duermas bien is a friendly way to say goodnight meaning 'may you sleep well'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally 'good nights', using the feminine plural adjective 'buenas' to match the feminine plural noun 'noches'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is always plural in Spanish. Using the singular buena noche to mean 'goodnight' is grammatically incorrect in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbwenas ˈnotʃes/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the singular buena noche to mean 'goodnight'.
When do people say it?
You can use Hasta mañana (until tomorrow) if you expect to see them the next day, or Dulces sueños (sweet dreams) for an informal touch. To be more polite, you can say Que descanses (rest well) or use the friendly Que duermas bien (may you sleep well).
Did you know?
- In Spain, the time you start saying buenas noches is often much later than in English-speaking countries, usually only after the sun has fully set or after dinner.
- In some Latin American cultures, it is common to accompany buenas noches with a light kiss on the cheek or a hand-shake, even in semi-formal settings.
- The phrase buenas noches may have originated as a shortened version of buenas tardes, which covers the late afternoon and early evening.
Examples in context
- Tom dijo buenas noches.Tom said goodnight.This sentence shows the use of buenas noches.Tatoeba #2716729 by marcelostockle, translation #2237637 by CK
- ¡Buenas noches y dulces sueños!Goodnight and sweet dreams!This sentence shows how to pair buenas noches with a wish for sweet dreams.Tatoeba #4598073 by cueyayotl, translation #12928552 by araneo
- Ve y dile buenas noches a papi.Go tell Daddy goodnight.Tatoeba #9466042 by dpcossio, translation #9466037 by CK
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are leaving a restaurant late at night.
- ElenaBuenas noches, Javier.Goodnight, Javier.
- JavierBuenas noches, Elena. Que descanses.Goodnight, Elena. Get some rest.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, hasta mañana.Thank you very much, see you tomorrow.
- JavierHasta mañana.See you tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry buenas noches, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buenas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
