نوم هنيء
nawm hani'
The English phrase "have a good sleep" is translated into Arabic as نوم هنيء (nawm hani').
This phrase is used to express a wish for someone to enjoy a peaceful and restful sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun نوم (sleep) and the adjective هنيء (pleasant/peaceful/blissful).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase نوم هنيء, the adjective هنيء follows the noun نوم to describe it, which is the standard word order for noun-adjective constructions in Arabic.
How do you pronounce it?
nawm hani'
When do people say it?
If someone says تصبح على خير (May you wake up to goodness) to you, the standard response is وأنت من أهله (And you are among its people).
Did you know?
- In many Arabic cultures, it is common to avoid wishing someone a 'deep' sleep using certain words because deep sleep is sometimes linguistically associated with the permanent sleep of death.
- The adjective هنيء is used to describe food or drink that is pleasant to consume without causing any discomfort or indigestion. Using it for sleep implies a rest that is as smooth and effortless as a perfect meal.
- The term هنيء is used in the Quran to describe the rewards of paradise, elevating the phrase from a simple bedtime wish to a word with spiritual connotations of eternal peace.
Examples in context
- نوم هنيء يا صغيري.nawmun hanī'un yā ṣagīrī.Have a good sleep, my little one.
- نوم هنيء للجميع.nawmun hanī'un lil-jamī'.Have a good sleep, everyone.
Example conversation
Ahmed is saying goodnight to Nour before she goes to bed.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا ذاهبة للنوم الآن يا أحمد.Ana dhahiba lil-nawm al-an ya Ahmed.I am going to sleep now, Ahmed.
- نور Nourتصبحي على خير يا نور، نوم هنيء.Tusbihi 'ala khair ya Nour, nawmun hani'.Goodnight Nour, have a good sleep.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً لك، وأنت أيضاً.Shukran laka, wa anta ay-dan.Thank you, and you too.
- نور Nourأحلام سعيدة!Ahlam sa'ida!Sweet dreams!
