What does it mean word for word?
The formal phrase ราตรีสวัสดิ์ is composed of ราตรี (raa-dtrii), meaning "night" and สวัสดิ์ (sà-wàt), meaning "well-being" or "prosperity".
Which one should you use?
ราตรีสวัสดิ์ is a formal greeting, whereas ฝันดี (sweet dreams) and ฝันดีนะ (sweet dreams / sleep well) are the preferred forms for casual conversation with friends or family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ราตรีสวัสดิ์ is quite formal and is suitable for acquaintances, older people or those in higher positions. It is also frequently found in literature or broadcasting. For informal situations, such as speaking with siblings, close friends or romantic partners, use ฝันดี or ฝันดีนะ.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is raa-dtrii-sà-wàt. It consists of 4 syllables.
When do people say it?
In casual settings, people more commonly use ฝันดีนะ instead of the formal ราตรีสวัสดิ์.
Did you know?
- The word ราตรี is a loanword from Sanskrit, making the formal 'good night' feel quite ancient and high-register compared to everyday Thai.
- The word สวัสดิ์ used in ราตรีสวัสดิ์ shares the same root as the common Thai greeting สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii).
- Using the formal ราตรีสวัสดิ์ with a close romantic partner might actually feel strangely cold or distant, as it lacks the warmth of the casual ฝันดี.
Examples in context
- คุณแม่ ราตรีสวัสดิ์ค่ะMother, have a good night.
- ราตรีสวัสดิ์นะratri sawat naGood night.
- หลับฝันดี ราตรีสวัสดิ์lap fan di ratri sawatSleep well, good night.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodnight to each other before sleeping.
- ณิชา Nichaฝันดีนะธีรภัทรfan di na theeraphatSweet dreams, Theeraphat.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatราตรีสวัสดิ์ครับณิชาratri sawat khrap nichaGood night, Nicha.
- ณิชา Nichaพรุ่งนี้เจอกันนะphrung ni cho kan naSee you tomorrow.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatครับ เจอกันครับkhrap cho kan khrapYes, see you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ราตรีสวัสดิ์, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ราตรีสวัสดิ์, CC BY-SA 4.0.
