How to Say Good Night in Italian - Evening Greetings in Italy
Despite whatever kind of day you have had, sharing a good night wish can do a lot to liven your moods and put you in a good place. Telling someone to have a good night is a great way to let them know that you wish them the best that the night has to offer and that nothing bad happens.
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How to Say Good Night in Italian
In Italian, the phrase buona notte is the standard way to articulate this wish. It is pronounced [ˌbwɔ.naˈnɔ.tːe] in the IPA transcription. La notte means “night,” and buona is a singular feminine form of buono – good.
You can also find it spelled buonanotte. You can add a tutti meaning “everyone” or a term of endearment, such as tesoro mio – sweetheart.
Other Goodnight Wishes in Italian
- Dormi bene – Sleep well
This phrase is rather impersonal, and it is advisable to add words that communicate the familiarity and love. For instance, you can add il mio amore for my love and bel bambino for my beautiful child.
This is also a translation of “sleep tight.” If you talk to a group, use dormite bene. A formal (rarely used) version is dorma bene.
- Buon riposo – (Have) a nice rest
Although sleeping generally means getting rest, the wording in this phrase indicates that the person going to bed had a busy day, and they deserve to wind down. It might also show the need to be rested since there are some tasks ahead that will need them at full capacity.
While riposo means “a rest” or “a break,” in Italy, it is also used to refer to an extended afternoon break which can last from noon till 4 p.m. It is meant to give the workers sufficient time to rest or spend with their families.
The verb riposare means “to rest.” You can often find it in its reflexive form riposarsi. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Devo riposarmi. – I must take a rest.
- Riposa in pace. – Rest in peace.
- Mi riposerò oggi. – I’m going to rest today.
- È tempo di riposare bene la notte. – It’s time to get some good night’s rest.
This is used to prompt people to go to bed by announcing that the previous activity should end as people are ready to sleep. It can be used with children or for people who are sharing a space, for instance, in camps and team building activities.
- Notte notte – Night night
This is mostly used with children due to the rhyme. It makes saying goodnight fun for them as it has rhythm if repeated.
When talking to children, you can add an appropriate term of endearment, such as
mimmo/mimma (an equivalent of bambino/bambina) or topolino/topolina (little mouse), or simply piccolo/piccola (little one).
- Sogna me – Dream of me
These words express a high level of familiarity and closeness. They are, therefore, ideal for friends, family, and last but not least, romantic partners.
- Fino a domani – Until tomorrow
This indicates an acknowledgment that there is a need to rest, and you are looking forward to seeing them the next day. You can use a domani when you are leaving but know that you will see the person you are talking to the next day. It means “see you tomorrow.”
- Non vedo l'ora di svegliarmi accanto a te – I can’t wait to wake up next to you
This is an intimate phrase and should thus be used between romantic partners. It shows love, yearning, and excitement. This is a personal expression of sentiments in a subtle yet direct way.
The phrase “I can’t wait (to)” translates as non vedo l’ora di in Italian:
- Non vedo l’ora di sposarmi. – I can’t wait to get married.
What to Say to Children at Bedtime
- Luci spente – Lights out
When you are an adult in charge of a group of kids in whichever setting, getting them to bed after a day of excitement can be daunting. This phrase commands attention, expresses authority and is not too harsh. Lights out is used to communicate that it's time to get some good night's sleep in a group of people.
- Non lasciare che le cimici mordano – Don’t let the bedbugs bite
Making bedtime a bit comical and fun for children is essential. This phrase is witty and has no underlying meaning since no one would willingly let a child sleep in a bed with bed bugs.
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Conclusion
As you can see, there are various ways to wish someone "good night" in Italian. No matter if you are looking for the traditional Buona notte (Good night in Italian), or want to end the day on a romantic note with Sogna me (Dream of me), or perhaps you need to finally put your children to sleep with Luci spente (Lights out!), you will find all that in our article and more!