śpij dobrze
The English phrase "sleep well" is translated into Polish as śpij dobrze.
śpij dobrze is used to wish someone a good night's rest.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb śpij (sleep) and the adverb dobrze (well).
Which one should you use?
While śpij dobrze literally means "sleep well", the single word dobranoc is the more common, standard way to say "good night" as a parting greeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form śpij dobrze is an imperative directed at "you" in the singular. To address more than one person or to use a formal plural address, use śpijcie dobrze. If you wish to say "let him/her sleep well" regarding a third party, use the construction niech śpi dobrze.
When do people say it?
For an informal way to wish someone a good night's sleep and sweet dreams, you can use the phrase Dobranoc i słodkich snów.
Did you know?
- When telling a child to śpij dobrze, parents often use the diminutive form śpij słodko, which means 'sleep sweetly'.
- If someone is already asleep, a Polish speaker wouldn't say śpij dobrze but might whisper śpij spokojnie, which means 'sleep peacefully'.
- The root of dobrze is found in other Slavic languages, such as the Kashubian word dôbrzê, showing its deep linguistic heritage.
Examples in context
- Śpij dobrze!Sleep well!This example shows the basic exclamation.Tatoeba #3031867 by jeedrek, translation #2425757 by bionicboy
- Śpij dobrze, Timmy.Sleep well, Timmy.This example shows the phrase used with a name.Tatoeba #4438972 by Luanne, translation #4402239 by hakkeb
- Śpij dobrze i nie przemęczaj się.Sleep well and don't overwork yourself.
Example conversation
Paweł and Małgorzata are saying goodnight before bed.
- PawełJestem już bardzo zmęczony.I am already very tired.
- MałgorzataJa też, idźmy spać.Me too, let's go to sleep.
- PawełDobranoc, śpij dobrze, Małgorzato.Goodnight, sleep well, Małgorzata.
- MałgorzataDziękuję, ty też śpij dobrze.Thank you, you sleep well too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dobrze, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
