おやすみ、お母さん
oyasumi, okaasan
The English phrase "goodnight mom" is translated into Japanese as おやすみ、お母さん (oyasumi, okaasan).
This phrase is used to say goodbye to one's mother before going to sleep.
Which one should you use?
The term おやすみ is the casual version used with family and close friends. In contrast, おやすみなさい is more formal. Using ママ instead of お母さん is a common, more affectionate or childish way for children to address their mothers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal and polite way to say "goodnight", you can use おやすみなさい.
How do you pronounce it?
oyasumi, okaasan
Did you know?
- The term おやすみ is derived from 休む, a word that can also mean 'to be absent from work or school'.
- In Japanese culture, it is common to perform a light bow or a nod of the head while saying おやすみ, even within the privacy of the home.
- While お母さん is the standard word for 'mother', some adult children continue to use ママ well into adulthood to express a particularly close or pampered relationship.
Examples in context
- おやすみ、お母さん。Oyasumi, okaasan.Goodnight, mom.
- おやすみ、お母さん。また明日ね。Oyasumi, okaasan. Mata ashita ne.Goodnight, mom. See you tomorrow.
- おやすみ、お母さん。大好きだよ。Oyasumi, okaasan. Daisuki da yo.Goodnight, mom. I love you.
Example conversation
A son is heading to his room to sleep.
- 結衣 Yui陽太、もう寝るの？Youta, mou neru no?Youta, are you going to sleep already?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、おやすみ、お母さん。Un, oyasumi, okaasan.Yeah, goodnight, mom.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、おやすみなさい。Hai, oyasuminasai.Okay, goodnight.
- 陽太 Yotaおやすみ。Oyasumi.Night.
