chúc ngủ ngon
[t͡ɕʊwk͡p̚˧˦ ŋu˧˩ ŋɔn˧˧]
The English phrase "goodnight" is translated into Vietnamese as chúc ngủ ngon.
chúc ngủ ngon is a phrase used to wish someone a good sleep when saying goodbye at night. While it is a standard way to say goodnight, it is often used more as a complete sentence or a formal wish rather than a casual parting like 'night' in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of chúc (to wish), ngủ (to sleep) and ngon (good/delicious/pleasant).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Vietnamese, it is common to add a pronoun after chúc to specify who you are wishing goodnight to, such as Chúc em ngủ ngon (Wish you sleep well).
Did you know?
- Because ngon implies a 'savory' or 'pleasant' quality, wishing someone a 'delicious sleep' is a common sensory metaphor in the language.
- The word chúc is a Sino-Vietnamese term derived from the Chinese character 祝, which can mean 'to pray' or 'to bless'.
- In Vietnamese culture, saying chúc ngủ ngon to an elder often requires adding a specific honorific pronoun to avoid sounding disrespectful.
Examples in context
- Chúc ngủ ngon.Goodnight.This example shows how to use chúc ngủ ngon as a simple parting.Tatoeba #13682576 by leucammieuvu, translation #7822164 by sharris123
- Cô ấy thơm vào má tôi và nói chúc ngủ ngon.She kissed me on the cheek and said goodnight.This sentence uses chúc ngủ ngon to describe someone saying goodnight.Tatoeba #13841059 by leucammieuvu, translation #314290 by CK
- Chúc ngủ ngon, em nhé.Goodnight, dear.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before going to their separate rooms to sleep.
- HươngHùng ơi, em đi ngủ đây.Hung, I'm going to bed now.
- HùngChúc ngủ ngon, Hương nhé.Goodnight, Huong.
- HươngAnh cũng ngủ ngon nhé.You sleep well too.
- HùngChào em, chúc ngủ ngon.Goodbye, goodnight.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chúc ngủ ngon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chúc, chúc ngủ ngon, ngon, ngủ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
