Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between wishing someone a pleasant evening and wishing them sleep. Use bonne soirée when leaving someone during the evening to wish them a pleasant time, whereas bonne nuit is used specifically when someone is actually going to sleep.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the phrase Bonne soirée et douce nuit (have a nice evening and a sweet night) is sometimes used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The way you phrase this depends on who you are addressing. Passez une bonne soirée uses the formal or plural imperative form of the verb passer, while Passe une bonne soirée uses the informal singular imperative form of the verb passer.
When do people say it?
When you are parting ways in the evening, you can also use Fais de beaux rêves to wish someone "sweet dreams" before they go to bed.
Did you know?
- In France, it is common to say bonne soirée to a shopkeeper as you leave, but you would never say it to them when you enter the store. Upon entering, you must use bonsoir.
- While 'evening' is often a time for relaxation, a soirée can also refer to a formal social gathering or a party hosted in an evening. In this context, you might be invited to a 'soirée' rather than just experiencing one.
- In French, the suffix '-ée' in soirée transforms the noun from a point in time to a measurable period. This suffixing pattern is common for words describing a span of time, like 'journée' for a full day.
Examples in context
- Passez une bonne soirée.Have a nice night.This sentence demonstrates the use of the phrase bonne soirée.Tatoeba #12779578 by lbdx, translation #3089487 by Hybrid
- Bonne soirée, Sophie! Profite bien de ton temps libre et passe une excellente nuit reposante.Have a nice evening, Sophie! Enjoy your free time and have an excellent and restful night.
- Bonne nuit, mon ami. Fais de beaux rêves et reprends des forces pour une journée merveilleuse demain.Good night, my friend. Have sweet dreams and get energized for a wonderful day tomorrow.
- Bonne soirée à vous !Have a nice night!
- Merci, bonne soirée également.Thank you, have a nice night too.
Example conversation
Gabriel is leaving a dinner party at Manon's house.
- GabrielMerci pour le dîner, Manon.Thank you for the dinner, Manon.
- ManonC'était un plaisir, Gabriel.It was a pleasure, Gabriel.
- GabrielAllez, bonne soirée !Well, have a nice night!
- ManonMerci, bonne soirée !Thank you, have a nice night!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries soirée, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
