晚安
wan'an
The English phrase sleep well is said in Chinese as 晚安 (wan'an).
The phrase 晚安 is a common and straightforward way to say sleep well in Chinese, typically used as a greeting to wish someone a good night before they go to sleep. You can also use the phrase 好梦 to specifically wish someone sweet dreams, either alongside or instead of 晚安.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 晚安 is composed of 晚, meaning evening and 安, meaning peace or safety.
Which one should you use?
While 晚安 is the standard way to say sleep well, you might use 祝你好梦 to translate to wish you sweet dreams, which carries a slightly more formal tone. For a more relaxed and informal version among friends and peers, you can use 晚安啦. Between close friends or romantic partners, the playful expression 晚安安 is also used.
How do you pronounce it?
wan'an
Did you know?
- The character 安 is a pictograph showing a woman 女 under a roof 宀, representing the idea that a home is peaceful when a woman is present.
- In digital slang, the number 88 is often sent after 晚安 because it sounds like 'bye bye' in English.
- Repeating a character like in the playful 晚安安, is a common way in Chinese to express endearment or a 'cute' tone, known as 'sa jiao'.
Examples in context
- 小明，晚安啦！Xiao Ming, sleep well!
- 妈妈，好好休息哦。Mom, rest well!
- 晚安，好梦。Wǎn'ān, hǎo mèng.Goodnight, sweet dreams.
- 宝贝，晚安。Bǎobèi, wǎn'ān.Goodnight, baby.
- 早点休息，晚安。Zǎodiǎn xiūxi, wǎn'ān.Get some rest early, goodnight.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodnight over a video call.
- 浩然 Haoran今天很累了吧？晚安。Jīntiān hěn lèi le ba? Wǎn'ān.You must be tired today. Goodnight.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，浩然，晚安。Shì de, Hàorán, wǎn'ān.Yes, Haoran, goodnight.
- 浩然 Haoran佳怡，快去睡觉吧。Jiāyí, kuài qù shuìjiào ba.Jiayi, go to sleep now.
- 佳怡 Jiayi嗯，晚安。En, wǎn'ān.Okay, goodnight.
