Sleep: It’s one of those things that unites us all. No matter our culture or the language we speak, we all do it.
With that in mind, you may be wondering how to wish someone “Good night” in French.
No need to lose any sleep over it!
Here are four ways to say “Good night” in French.
And if you are looking to go beyond the basics, give our conversational French app a try!
Table of Contents
How to say “Good night” in French
What are some other ways to say “Good night” in French?
How to say “Good night” in French
1.Bonne nuit– Good night
Bonne nuitliterally means “Good night” and is used the same way as in English. It can be said to anyone, and is the easiest, most basic nighttime farewell.
That said, be sure not to confuse it withBonne soirée– Good evening.While “Good evening” in English is a very formal expression, often associated with old-school vampires, it’s very common in French.Bonne soiréeis used to end an evening or nighttime conversation with anyone that you’re not directly seeing off to bed.
For example, if I’m in a grocery store late at night, I would wish the cashierBonne soirée(and they would do the same to me) because they’re not in front of me in their pajamas, and I’m not staying at their house and aware that they’re headed to their bedroom for the night.
On the other hand, if I’m at my in-laws’ house and we’re all going to our bedrooms to sleep, I would wish themBonne nuit.
Other alternatives include:
- Bonne nuit tout le monde – Good night everyone
- Bonne nuit à tous – Good night to all
- Bonne nuit mon amour – Good night my love
- Je vous/te souhaite une bonne nuit – I wish you a good night
2.Dors bien – Sleep well
Meaning “sleep well,”dors biencan also be used in the imperative form withvous:Dormez bien.But this would probably mean you’re talking to multiple people, not that you’re addressing someone in a formal context, since, in most cases at least,this expression tends to reflect a certain tenderness and closeness.
I could see using it with someone you don’t know very well, however, if you’ve been talking about sleep and it’s late and you know they’ll sleep in a few hours.
For example, if my baker tells me she’s been having trouble sleeping, and theboulangerieis about to close for the evening, depending on the feeling of the conversation, I might sayDormez bienas I leave.But mostly, it’s used with people close to you, or with someone in a vulnerable situation (someone who is in hospital, a young child, etc.).
3.Fais de beaux rêves – Sweet dreams
Literally, “Make beautiful dreams,”fais de beaux rêvesis the French equivalent to the English expression “Sweet dreams.”
I really love how the French version implies that the sleeper can create their own dreams.It’s kind of inspiring, in a way. Of course, whenever I have a nightmare or something weird or awkward occur in a dream, I like it less….
This is another expression that would generally be used with someone you’re close with, not in a formal situation. If you used it withvous(Faites de beaux rêves) that would probably be to address multiple people, not in a formal context.
4.Bonne nuit mon amour – Good night my love
“Bonne nuit mon amour”literally translates to “Good night, my love.”
If you want a romantic way to say “Good night” in French, this is a good, basic way to do it.
But it can also show other kinds of love. You may also hear French parents say this to their children, although it’s not particularly common. Even more rare (and viewed by non-pet people as super weird) would be someone saying it to their adored pet.
What are some other ways to say “Good night” in French?
If you want to wish someone “Good night” in French, your basic choices are very limited.These four about cover it.
In fact, there’s not even a typical saying like “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite” in French.
Still,there are some unique options out there.If you want to get creative, an internet search for “Comment souhaiter bonne nuit” leads to some interesting results, like thislistof text messagesto send your absent sweetheart.
Now that you know how to say “Good night” in French, I’ll leave you with my favorite French lullaby, the popular folk song Au Clair de la lune.
Bonne nuit !
