शुभ रात्रि
śubh rātri/ʃʊbʱ ɾɑːt̪.ɾiː/
In Hindi, the phrase for sweet dreams is शुभ रात्रि (śubh rātri).
The standard phrase used at bedtime in Hindi is शुभ रात्रि, which is most equivalent to the English 'good night'. While English speakers often use 'sweet dreams' as a sentiment, शुभ रात्रि serves as the standard way to wish someone a good night.
Meaning: sweet dreams (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase शुभ रात्रि literally translates to 'auspicious night'.
Which one should you use?
Depending on your intent, there are different ways to express this. शुभ रात्रि is the standard equivalent to 'good night'. If you want to specifically wish someone the literal concept of dreaming well, you can say अच्छे सपने आएँ, which means 'may you have good dreams'. Additionally, अच्छे ख्वाब can be used as an affectionate way to wish someone good dreams.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is śubh rātri. The IPA is /ʃʊbʱ ɾɑːt̪.ɾiː/. It consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- While शुभ रात्रि is the standard, the affectionate phrase अच्छे ख्वाब uses the word ख्वाब, which is borrowed from Arabic and Persian rather than Sanskrit.
- In a traditional context, wishing someone शुभ रात्रि can be accompanied by a slight nod of the head or a gentle press of the palms together in a 'namaste' gesture for elders.
- Because शुभ रात्रि is quite formal, using it with very close friends might actually sound slightly stiff or overly polite compared to English.
Examples in context
- सुंदर सपने देखें।May you see beautiful dreams.
- शुभ रात्रि, अच्छे सपने देखना।shubh raatri, achhe sapne dekhna.Good night, have sweet dreams.
Example conversation
Rahul and Neha are saying goodnight before sleeping.
- राहुल Rahulनेहा, मुझे अब नींद आ रही है।Neha, mujhe ab neend aa rahi hai.Neha, I am feeling sleepy now.
- नेहा Nehaठीक है, मैं भी सोने जा रही हूँ।Theek hai, main bhi sone ja rahi hoon.Okay, I am also going to sleep.
- राहुल Rahulशुभ रात्रि, नेहा।Shubh raatri, Neha.Sweet dreams, Neha.
- नेहा Nehaशुभ रात्रि, राहुल।Shubh raatri, Rahul.Sweet dreams, Rahul.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry शुभ रात्रि, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
