10 Sweet Ways to Say "Good Night" in Chinese
"Wǎn'ān" (晚安) is the most common way to say good night in Chinese. But if you're looking to express a bit more affection to someone close to you – like your partner, a family member, or a good mate – or simply want to make your goodbyes sound a touch sweeter and warmer, then it's time to pick up some special Chinese 'good night' expressions! These phrases will add a lovely touch of love and fun to your nightly farewells.
Adding a Bit of Warmth and Affection
1. 晚安,好梦 (Wǎn'ān, hǎo mèng) – Good Night, Sweet Dreams
- Meaning: Good night, have sweet dreams.
- Usage: Adds a really nice wish to "Wǎn'ān," making it extra warm and personal.
- Example: “宝贝,晚安,好梦哦!” (Honey, good night, sweet dreams!)
2. 睡个好觉 (Shuì ge hǎo jiào) – Have a Good Sleep
- Meaning: Sleep well.
- Usage: A direct wish for them to sleep soundly, simple and truly caring.
- Example: “今天累了一天,早点睡,睡个好觉!” (You've had a long day, so get to bed early and have a decent sleep!)
3. 乖乖睡 (Guāiguāi shuì) – Sleep Tight
- Meaning: Sleep tight.
- Usage: Carries a really doting tone, often used by older folks to younger ones, or between couples.
- Example: “别玩手机了,乖乖睡吧。” (Stop mucking around on your phone, and get to sleep!)
4. 梦里见 (Mèng lǐ jiàn) – See You in My Dreams
- Meaning: See you in my dreams.
- Usage: A romantic and hopeful expression, hinting at a wish to meet up in your dreams.
- Example: “今天聊得很开心,梦里见!” (We had a top chat today, see you in my dreams!)
Showing Care and Concern
5. 早点休息 (Zǎodiǎn xiūxi) – Rest Early
- Meaning: Get some rest early.
- Usage: Shows you're looking out for their health, reminding them not to burn the midnight oil.
- Example: “工作再忙也要早点休息啊。” (No matter how flat out you are with work, you still need to get some rest early.)
6. 盖好被子 (Gài hǎo bèizi) – Cover Yourself Well with the Doona
- Meaning: Cover up well with the doona.
- Usage: A really thoughtful expression of care, especially when it's a bit chilly, showing a lot of thoughtfulness.
- Example: “晚上冷,记得盖好被子。” (It's a bit nippy tonight, remember to pull your doona right up!)
Playful and Intimate Good Nights
7. 晚安吻 (Wǎn'ān wěn) – Good Night Kiss
- Meaning: Good night kiss.
- Usage: Perfect for couples, a direct way to show intimacy.
- Example: “给你一个晚安吻,么么哒!” (Here's a good night kiss for ya, mwah!)
8. 晚安,我的小可爱 (Wǎn'ān, wǒ de xiǎo kě'ài) – Good Night, My Little Cutie
- Meaning: Good night, my little cutie.
- Usage: Using a pet name makes the farewell feel more personal and intimate.
- Example: “晚安,我的小可爱,明天见。” (Good night, my little cutie, see you tomorrow.)
9. 祝你一夜好眠 (Zhù nǐ yīyè hǎo mián) – Wish You a Good Night's Sleep
- Meaning: Wish you a good night's sleep.
- Usage: A more formal but very heartfelt expression, wishing the other person a really sound sleep right through the night.
- Example: “祝你一夜好眠,明天精神饱满。” (Hope you have a top night's sleep, and wake up full of beans tomorrow.)
10. 闭眼,数羊 (Bì yǎn, shǔ yáng) – Close Your Eyes, Count Sheep
- Meaning: Close your eyes, count sheep.
- Usage: A playful way to tell someone to hit the hay, hinting they might be struggling to sleep or need to chill out.
- Example: “别想太多了,闭眼,数羊吧!” (Don't overthink things, just close your eyes and count some sheep!)
These sweet "good night" expressions will add a touch of warmth and intimacy to your Chinese chats. Next time you're saying good night to someone special, give these heartfelt phrases a go!