bons sonhos
/ˈbõ ˈsõ.ɲus/
The English phrase "sweet dreams" is translated into Portuguese as bons sonhos. Wiktionary also lists durma com Deus and durma em paz.
Meaning: sweet dreams (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| bons sonhos | /ˈbõ ˈsõ.ɲus/ (Brazil) |
| durma com Deus | |
| durma em paz |
While bons sonhos is a direct equivalent to the English expression, other variations exist that carry different cultural or religious tones.
What does it mean word for word?
bons sonhos literally translates to "good dreams".
Which one should you use?
While bons sonhos is a direct equivalent to "sweet dreams", it is slightly more literal and less idiomatic than the religious-toned durma com Deus.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbõ ˈsõ.ɲus/
When do people say it?
durma com Deus (meaning "sleep with God") is a very common, culturally rooted way to say goodnight or sweet dreams. It is often used by older generations or in more traditional settings. For an informal way to wish someone a peaceful night, you might also hear Durma com os anjos!, which means "Sleep with the angels!"
Did you know?
- While durma em paz is a way to wish 'sweet dreams', the phrase descansar em paz is used exclusively for the deceased, meaning 'rest in peace'.
- Unlike many Latin-derived words, Deus is unusual because it was derived from the Latin nominative form instead of the accusative form deum.
- Wishing someone Durma com os anjos is an affectionate expression often reserved for children or romantic partners, making it more intimate than the standard bons sonhos.
Examples in context
- Boa noite. Bons sonhos.Good night. Sweet dreams.This sentence shows how to use bons sonhos following a goodnight greeting.Tatoeba #397597 by brauliobezerra, translation #2194 by laurafults
- Bons sonhos!Sweet dreams!This sentence demonstrates the standalone use of bons sonhos.Tatoeba #1508622 by alexmarcelo, translation #30054 by CK
- Boa noite e bons sonhos.Good night and sweet dreams.This sentence shows how to combine a goodnight greeting and bons sonhos using "and".Tatoeba #686097 by nanbanjin, translation #64653 by Eldad
- Tenha sonhinhos maravilhosos!Have wonderful little dreams!
- Durma bem, tenha doces sonhos e acorde renovado/a!Sleep well, have sweet dreams, and wake up refreshed!
Example conversation
Beatriz and Rodrigo are saying goodnight before going to bed.
- BeatrizEu já vou dormir, Rodrigo.I'm going to sleep now, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoEu também. Boa noite, Beatriz.Me too. Good night, Beatriz.
- BeatrizBoa noite! Bons sonhos.Good night! Sweet dreams.
- RodrigoObrigado, para você também.Thanks, you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweet dreams” translations and entries bons sonhos, durma com Deus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deus, com, deus, em, paz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
