How to Say Good Night in Russian

We are searching data for your request:

Forums and discussions:

Manuals and reference books:

Data from registers:

Wait the end of the search in all databases.
Upon completion, a link will appear to access the found materials.

Go to search results >>>

The most popular way to say good night in Russian is Спокойной ночи (spaKOYnay NOchee), which means "have a peaceful night." However, the Russian language contains several variations on this phrase. Some of the expressions for "good night" can be used in any situation, while others are highly specific and can only be used when addressing certain people, such as family or friends. Read on to learn 13 of the most common "good night" phrases in Russian, as well as how to pronounce them.

01of 13

Спокойной ночи

Pronunciation: spaKOYnay NOchee

Translation: have a peaceful night

Meaning: goodnight

This phrase is the most popular way to wish someone goodnight. There is even a famous Russian TV show for kids called Спокойной ночи, малыши (Goodnight, Little Ones), which generations of Russian children have watched before bedtime since the 1960s.

02of 13

Доброй ночи

Pronunciation: DObray NOchee

Translation: have a good night

Meaning: goodnight

A more formal way to wish someone a good night, доброй ночи is almost identical to спокойной ночи but has an air of added politeness and sophistication. Think Anna Karenina or Eugene Onegin, rather than a finger puppet from a children's show.

03of 13

Приятных снов

Pronunciation: preeYAtnykh SNOV

Translation: have pleasant dreams

Meaning: sweet dreams

Another universal phrase for goodnight, приятных снов can be used in any situation and register.

04of 13

Хорошего отдыха

Pronunciation: HaROshiva OTdykha

Translation: have a good rest

This goodnight phrase can be used in formal, neutral, and informal situations, although it is most often used as an add-on to another phrase, such as Спокойной ночи и хорошего отдыха (goodnight and have a good rest).

05of 13

Сладких снов

Pronunciation: SLADkykh SNOV

Translation: sweet dreams

An informal way to wish someone sweet dreams, this affectionate phrase can be used in romantic relationships, with close and much-loved family members, and with children.

06of 13

Приятных сновидений

Pronunciation: preeYATnykh snaveeDYEny

Translation: have pleasant dreams

Meaning: sweet dreams

While приятных сновидений translates into English as sweet dreams, just like the previous expression, here we have a more formal way to say goodnight. Rather than an affectionate expression, this phrase is more appropriate when addressing family members such as in-laws, aunts and uncles, and other relatives, as well as acquaintances.

07of 13

Баюшки-баю / Баиньки-баю

Pronunciation: BAyushkee baYU / BAyin'kee baYU

Meaning: night-night

A very affectionate goodnight expression, баюшки-баю and its (non-identical) twin баиньки-баю are suitable when speaking to young children, romantic partners, and very close friends.

08of 13

Крепких снов

Pronunciation: KRYEPkikh SNOF

Translation: have strong / durable dreams

Meaning: sleep tight

This funny expression is in the neutral register and can be used in most informal and neutral situations.

09of 13

Споки

Pronunciation: SPOkee

Meaning: night-night

A slang expression for "goodnight," споки is a shortened version of спокойной ночи. It is mainly used among Russian youth.

10of 13

Споки ноки

Pronunciation: SPOkee NOkee

Meaning: night-night

Similar to Споки, Споки ноки is another slang expression used by the younger generation of Russians. Споки is formed by shortening and modifying спокойной ("peaceful"), while ноки is a modification of ночи ("night").

11of 13

Спи сладко

Pronunciation: SPEE SLADka

Translation: sleep sweetly

Meaning: sweet dreams, sleep well

In Russia, wishing friends and family "sweet dreams" each night is common. This version of the expression is romantic and cutesy, so it's not to be used with your boss or a stranger.

12of 13

Спатеньки

Pronunciation: SPAtin'kee

Meaning: go to bed

Another slang word, спатеньки is used in the informal register, and means "going to bed" or "sleep." It is associated with baby talk, so it should only be used with close friends, family, and romantic partners

13of 13

Спи крепко-крепко / спи крепко

Pronunciation: SPEE KRYEPka-KRYEPka / SPEE KREYPka

Meaning: sleep tight.

This phrase is an informal way of saying goodnight, much like the phrase крепких снов (KRYEPkikh SNOF).

---