Спокойной ночи
spokoynoy nochi
The English phrase "have a good night" can be translated into Russian as Спокойной ночи (spokoynoy nochi).
Спокойной ночи is used specifically when someone is actually going to bed to wish them a peaceful sleep. It is not used as a general parting phrase during the evening, but rather when the night is intended for rest.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "of peaceful night".
Which one should you use?
While Спокойной ночи focuses on wishing someone a "peaceful" sleep, the alternative Доброй ночи is a slightly more formal or poetic way to say "good night".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the genitive case, which is a common way in Russian to express a wish, as if one were saying "[I wish you] of a peaceful night".
How do you pronounce it?
spokoynoy nochi
Did you know?
- Russian folklore often links the night to the 'nightmare' or 'mara', making the wish for a Спокойной (peaceful) night a traditional ward against bad dreams.
- It is common in Russian to pair Спокойной ночи with Сладких снов, which means 'sweet dreams', as a complete bedside ritual.
- The root of Спокойной is the same as the word for 'calm' or 'quiet', meaning the phrase wishes for an absence of turmoil rather than just a 'good' experience.
Examples in context
- Клиент: Спасибо за помощь сегодня. Хорошей ночи!A client: Thank you for your help today. Have a good night!
- Сотрудник: Вам также хорошей ночи!Employee: Have a good night to you too!
- Ребенок: Спокойная ночь, мама! Я люблю тебя!Child: Good night, Mom! I love you!
- Спокойной ночи, дорогой.Spokoynoy nochi, dorogoy.Have a good night, dear.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodnight in their bedroom.
- Мария MariaСпокойной ночи, Дмитрий.Spokoynoy nochi, Dmitriy.Have a good night, Dmitry.
- Дмитрий DmitryСпасибо, Мария. Спокойной ночи.Spasibo, Mariya. Spokoynoy nochi.Thank you, Maria. Have a good night.
- Мария MariaСпи крепко.Spi krepko.Sleep tight.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы тоже.Ty tozhe.You too.
