Buenas noches
/bwenas not͡ʃes/from spelling rules
In Spanish, Buenas noches is the way to say "have a good night".
Buenas noches is a polite greeting or farewell used in the evening or before going to bed. Unlike English, which distinguishes between "good evening" (greeting) and "good night" (farewell), Buenas noches is used for both arriving and departing in the evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally "Good nights", as both noche (night) and the adjective buena (good) are used in their feminine plural forms.
Which one should you use?
While Buenas noches is the standard way to say "have a good night", it is a fixed expression and does not require a verb like tener (to have).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the feminine plural adjective buenas to agree with the feminine plural noun noches.
Did you know?
- While Buenas noches is the standard, some regions use the shortened Buenas as a generic greeting for any time of day or night.
- Some linguists suggest that the plural form noches might have evolved from a tradition of wishing someone many 'good nights' or periods of rest.
- It is common custom in many Spanish-speaking cultures to announce Buenas noches to an entire room upon entering a party or restaurant.
Examples in context
- Buenas noches, que descanses.Good night, rest well.
- ¡Buenas noches a todos!Good night to everyone!
- Diles buenas noches a los niños.Say good night to the children.
Example conversation
Javier is leaving Elena's house at the end of a visit.
- ElenaFue un placer verte, Javier.It was a pleasure to see you, Javier.
- JavierIgualmente, Elena. Buenas noches.Likewise, Elena. Good night.
- ElenaBuenas noches, descansa mucho.Good night, rest a lot.
- JavierGracias, hasta mañana.Thank you, see you tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buenas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
