French Phrase
Bonne nuit, dors bien.
Meaning
This is a standard and affectionate way to wish someone a restful night in French. It combines the greeting 'Bonne nuit' with the imperative command 'dors bien', which literally means 'sleep well'. It is warm, personal, and indicates a level of care for the listener's rest.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone is physically heading to bed or at the very end of a late-night conversation. It is best suited for friends, family members, or romantic partners due to the informal 'tu' form used in the verb 'dors'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Bonnenuitdorsbien
Adjective Agreement
'Bonne' is the feminine form of 'bon', agreeing with the feminine noun 'nuit' (night).
The Imperative Mood
'Dors' is the informal singular imperative of the verb 'dormir' (to sleep), used for giving friendly advice or commands.
🗨In Conversation
Je suis fatigué, je vais me coucher.
I am tired, I am going to bed.
Bonne nuit, dors bien.
Good night, sleep well.
✕Common Mistakes
Bon nuit, dors bien.
The word 'nuit' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'bonne' instead of the masculine 'bon'.
Bonne nuit, dorme bien.
The correct imperative form for 'tu' in the verb dormir is 'dors'. 'Dorme' is a subjunctive form and incorrect here.
↔Alternatives
Fais de beaux rêves.
Sweet dreams (literally: Make some beautiful dreams).
Repose-toi bien.
Rest well.
À demain.
See you tomorrow.
Cultural Tip
In France, 'Bonne nuit' is specifically used when someone is actually going to sleep. If you are leaving a restaurant or a party early in the evening, you should use 'Bonne soirée' (Good evening) instead. Adding 'dors bien' is a common way to show intimacy and warmth.