доброй ночи
dobroj nochi
To say "have a goodnight" in Russian, you use доброй ночи (dobroj nochi).
доброй ночи is used as a polite way to say "good night" when you are parting ways at a social gathering or ending a conversation late in the evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "of a good night," using the genitive case.
Which one should you use?
While доброй ночи is a general wish for a good night, спокойной ночи (meaning "peaceful night" or "quiet night") is the more common expression used specifically when someone is about to go to sleep. спокойной ночи is more intimate and directed at someone actually heading to bed.
How do you pronounce it?
dobroj nochi
Did you know?
- Unlike in English where 'goodnight' can be a greeting upon arriving at a late party, доброй ночи is strictly a farewell.
- The adjective добрый in доброй ночи is the same root used for 'kind' or 'good-hearted', meaning you are essentially wishing the night itself to be 'kind' to the person.
- If you are leaving a party late at night, saying спокойной ночи might actually sound like you are telling your host to go to bed immediately.
Examples in context
- Спокойного сна и доброй ночи.Spokoynogo sna i dobroy nochi.Sleep well and have a good night.
- Желаю тебе доброй ночи.Zhelayu tebe dobroy nochi.I wish you a good night.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before going to their separate rooms.
- Александр AleksandrЕкатерина, доброй ночи.Ekaterina, dobroy nochi.Ekaterina, have a good night.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСпасибо, Александр. И тебе доброй ночи.Spasibo, Aleksandr. I tebe dobroy nochi.Thank you, Aleksandr. And have a good night to you too.
- Александр AleksandrДо завтра.Do zavtra.See you tomorrow.
