buenas noches, que descanses
The English phrase "goodnight, sleep well" is expressed in Spanish as buenas noches, que descanses.
This phrase is used to wish someone a peaceful night and a good night's sleep. Buenas noches is used both as a greeting when arriving somewhere in the evening and as a farewell when leaving or going to bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The part que descanses literally translates to "may you rest," using the subjunctive mood to express a wish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the phrase que sueñes con los angelitos is used to mean "may you dream with the little angels."
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to more than one person, you must change que descanses to que descansen.
Did you know?
- The word que in que descanses is a linguistic-rebel that descended from the Latin quid meaning 'what', yet it took over the functional roles of the word 'quod' in Spanish.
- The word descanses comes from a root meaning to 'stop' or 'cease', linking the act of sleeping to the cessation of effort.
- In very formal or traditional settings, some speakers may use que tenga usted un feliz descanso instead of que descanses to show respect.
Examples in context
- Mi amor, que tengas dulces sueños y descanses bien.My love, may you have sweet dreams and rest well.
- Que sueñes con los angelitos, que tengas buenas noches y duermas bien.May you dream with the little angels, have a good night, and sleep well.
- Buenas noches, que descanses mucho.Goodnight, sleep/rest a lot.
- Ya es tarde, buenas noches, que descanses.It is late, goodnight, sleep well.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are saying goodbye at the end of a social gathering.
- ElenaMe voy a casa ahora.I am going home now.
- JavierEstá bien, buenas noches, que descanses, Elena.Alright, goodnight, sleep well, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, igualmente para ti, Javier.Thank you, same to you, Javier.
- JavierHasta mañana.See you tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buenas, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
