usiku mwema
In Swahili, "good night" is translated as usiku mwema.
The phrase usiku mwema is used specifically as a parting phrase when someone is going to sleep or when the conversation is ending for the night.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of usiku (night) and mwema (good/kind/pleasant).
Which one should you use?
While usiku mwema is a farewell, the phrase habari za usiku is a greeting used to ask how someone's night is going.
Did you know?
- In some coastal regions, people might use the Arabic-influenced lailatun sa'idah for 'good night' in very formal or religious contexts, though usiku mwema is the standard.
- In Swahili, the root of mwema can describe a person's character, meaning someone is 'virtuous' or 'kind' rather than just 'good' in quality.
- In many Swahili-speaking cultures, instead of saying usiku mwema, people often say lala salama, which literally means 'sleep peacefully'.
Examples in context
- Usiku mwema, tunakutana asubuhi.Good night, we'll meet in the morning.
- Lala poa, tutaonana kesho.Sleep well, see you tomorrow.
- Lala vizuri, tujadiliane zaidi kesho.Sleep well, let's discuss more tomorrow.
- Usiku mzuri, twende kupumzika.Good night, let's go rest.
- Usiku mwema kwa wote.Good night to everyone.
- Kwa heri, usiku mwema.Goodbye, good night.
- Usiku mwema, lala salama.Good night, sleep peacefully.
Example conversation
Aisha and Said are leaving a small social gathering at night.
- AishaSaid, usiku mwema.Said, good night.
- SaidAsante, Aisha, usiku mwema pia.Thank you, Aisha, good night to you too.
- AishaTutaonana kesho.We will see each other tomorrow.
- SaidHaya, kwa heri.Okay, goodbye.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good night” translations and entries usiku mwema, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
