dors bien ce soir et toujours
The English phrase "sleep well tonight and always" is translated into French as dors bien ce soir et toujours.
This phrase is used to express a wish for someone to have a good night's sleep both tonight and every night in the future. Note that the part ce soir literally means "this evening" and is the standard way to express "tonight" in this context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dors bien ce soir et toujours uses the singular imperative, making it appropriate for one person you know well, such as a friend or child. The form dormez bien ce soir et toujours is used when addressing someone formally or when addressing a group of people.
Did you know?
- The word ce in ce soir is a descendant of the Vulgar Latin phrase ecce ille, which literally means 'behold that'.
- In France, rather than just wishing for a good sleep, people often say fais de beaux rêves, which tells the person to 'make' beautiful dreams.
- The word toujours is a compound of tous meaning 'all' and jours meaning 'days', literally translating to 'all days'.
Example conversation
Emma is tucking Gabriel into bed.
- EmmaIl est l'heure de dormir, Gabriel.It is time to sleep, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe n'ai pas envie de dormir.I don't want to sleep.
- EmmaFerme les yeux et dors bien ce soir et toujours.Close your eyes and sleep well tonight and always.
- GabrielMerci, Emma. Bonne nuit.Thank you, Emma. Good night.
