おやすみなさい
oyasumi nasaipolite, bedtime
In Japanese, "good night" is おやすみなさい (oyasumi nasai) when you are going to bed or saying goodbye for the night. Friends and family shorten it to おやすみ (oyasumi).
Meaning: wishing someone a good night (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| おやすみなさい | oyasumi nasai | polite, bedtime |
| おやすみ | oyasumi | casual, bedtime |
It is used only when someone is about to sleep or go home for the night, never as a greeting on meeting someone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The long form is polite and suits seniors and guests. The short form is for people close to you.
What mistakes should you avoid?
こんばんは (konbanwa) means "good evening" and is a hello, not a way to say good night.
Did you know?
- The word おやすみ comes from the verb 休む (yasumu), "to rest".
Examples in context
- おやすみなさい、またあした。Oyasumi nasai, mata ashita.Good night, see you tomorrow.
- おやすみ、いいゆめを。Oyasumi, ii yume o.Good night, sweet dreams.
- もうねるね。おやすみ。Mō neru ne. Oyasumi.I'm going to sleep now. Good night.
Example conversation
Mika, a mother, says good night to her young son Ren at bedtime.
- Mikaもうねるじかんだよ。Mō neru jikan da yo.It's time to sleep.
- Renはあい。おやすみ、ママ。Hāi. Oyasumi, mama.Okay. Good night, Mom.
- Mikaおやすみなさい、いいゆめをね。Oyasumi nasai, ii yume o ne.Good night, sweet dreams.
