Goede nacht
/ˈɣudə nɑxt/word by word
The English phrase "have a good night" is translated into Dutch as Goede nacht.
Goede nacht is a literal wish for a good night. However, when wishing someone a good night's sleep, the phrase Slaap lekker is much more common and natural in Dutch.
Which one should you use?
Use Goedenavond to say hello or goodbye during the evening. Reserve Goede nacht specifically for when someone is actually going to sleep or when the night is ending.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɣudə nɑxt/
Did you know?
- The Dutch language uses lekker in Slaap lekker, a word that primarily means 'tasty' when describing food.
- In the Netherlands, saying Slaap lekker is frequently accompanied by a kiss on the cheek or a hug among family members.
- The Dutch word nacht descends from the Proto-Indo-European word *nókʷts, making it a distant relative of the English word 'night' and the Latin 'nox'.
Examples in context
- Goede nacht, tot morgen!Good night, see you tomorrow!
- Goede nacht, slaap lekker.Good night, sleep well.
Example conversation
Lucas and Sophie are saying goodbye at the end of the evening.
- LucasIk ga naar huis, Sophie.I am going home, Sophie.
- SophieIs goed, Lucas. Goede nacht!All right, Lucas. Good night!
- LucasGoede nacht, tot morgen.Good night, see you tomorrow.
- SophieTot morgen!See you tomorrow!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (goede, nacht) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries goede, nacht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
