いい夢見てね
ii yume mite ne
The English phrase "sweet dreams" is translated into Japanese as いい夢見てね (ii yume mite ne).
The phrase is used as a parting sentiment when someone is going to sleep, similar to "goodnight".
Meaning: sweet dreams (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of ii (good), yume (dream), mite (see/watch) and the sentence-ending particle ne, which provides a soft emphasis or confirmation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form いい夢見てね is casual and should be used with friends, family or romantic partners rather than superiors. While the polite form いい夢を見てください can be used, ii yume mite ne is much more common for the sentiment of 'sweet dreams'. Another informal way to express the idea is Yoi yume wo (よい夢を).
How does it change in a sentence?
Removing the final ne makes the phrase いい夢見て a slightly more direct, though still casual, imperative.
How do you pronounce it?
ii yume mite ne
Did you know?
- While いい夢見てね means 'sweet dreams', Japanese people rarely use it in daily life, preferring the simple おやすみ ('goodnight'). The 'sweet dreams' sentiment is more common in romantic fiction, anime and songs than in real homes.
- The verb みる used in this phrase is the exact same word used when you say you are 'trying' a new food or 'attempting' a task.
- Because 夢 can mean both a sleeping dream and a lifelong ambition, saying いい夢 can subtly imply a wish for someone to have a beautiful goal in life.
Examples in context
- おやすみ。いい夢見てね。oyasumi. ii yume mite ne.Good night. Sweet dreams.
- 明日も早いから、いい夢見てね。ashita mo hayai kara, ii yume mite ne.You have an early start tomorrow, so sweet dreams.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodnight over a phone call.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、もう寝るね。Ren-kun, mou neru ne.Ren, I'm going to sleep now.
- 蓮 Renうん、おやすみ、陽葵。un, oyasumi, Himari.Yeah, good night, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariいい夢見てね。ii yume mite ne.Sweet dreams.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、君もね。arigatou, kimi mo ne.Thanks, you too.
