vale, buenas noches
The English phrase 'ok, goodnight' can be said in Spanish as vale, buenas noches.
This phrase is used to agree to something and say goodbye before going to sleep or when leaving a social gathering at night. It is also used when ending a conversation, such as a phone call, before sleep.
Which one should you use?
While vale is very common in casual speech, de acuerdo is a more formal way to express agreement in the phrase de acuerdo, buenas noches.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the use of vale to mean 'ok' or 'agreed' is a characteristic feature of spoken Spanish. In many parts of Latin America, está bien, buenas noches is used more frequently than vale to express agreement.
Did you know?
- The word vale comes from the Latin word valē, which was a way to say 'be well' or 'farewell' to someone. It is essentially a modern descendant of an ancient Roman parting wish.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say buenas noches to someone at 7:00 PM, you are not just saying 'goodnight' before sleep, but also 'good evening' as a greeting. The phrase serves both as a hello and a goodbye depending on the time of day.
- In Spain, vale is used so frequently in conversation that it often functions as a filler word, similar to how English speakers use 'like' or 'right'.
Examples in context
- De acuerdo, amiga, buenas nochesOkay, friend (female), goodnight
- Vale, mi amor, buenas nochesOk, my love, goodnight
- Vale, buenas noches.Ok, goodnight.
- Vale, buenas noches a todos.Ok, goodnight to everyone.
- Está bien, vale, buenas noches.It is fine, ok, goodnight.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are finishing a phone call late at night.
- Sofía¿Nos vemos mañana en el café?Shall we see each other tomorrow at the cafe?
- DanielSí, vale, buenas noches, Sofía.Yes, ok, goodnight, Sofia.
- SofíaDescansa mucho, Daniel.Rest a lot, Daniel.
- DanielIgualmente, hasta mañana.Likewise, see you tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buenas, vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
