Italian Phrase
Buonanotte, dormi bene.
Meaning
This is a standard and affectionate way to wish someone a restful night in Italian. 'Buonanotte' serves as the final greeting of the day, while 'dormi bene' adds a personal touch by wishing the listener quality sleep. It is warm, friendly, and universally understood across Italy.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are leaving a social gathering late at night or when saying goodbye to family members and friends before they go to sleep. It is specifically meant for the moment of parting or right before bed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Buonanotte,dormibene
Buonanotte
A compound of the adjective 'buona' (good) and the noun 'notte' (night).
Dormi
The informal second-person singular imperative of the verb 'dormire' (to sleep).
Bene
An adverb meaning 'well', which modifies the action of sleeping.
🗨In Conversation
Sono stanchissimo, vado a letto.
I'm very tired, I'm going to bed.
Buonanotte, dormi bene.
Goodnight, sleep well.
✕Common Mistakes
Buonasera, dormi bene.
Use 'Buonanotte' when going to sleep; 'Buonasera' is for arriving or spending time during the evening.
Buonanotte, dorme bene.
Use 'dormi' for the informal 'you' (tu) imperative; 'dorme' is the third-person form.
↔Alternatives
Sogni d'oro
Sweet dreams (literally: dreams of gold)
Riposati bene
Rest well
A domani
See you tomorrow
Cultural Tip
In Italian culture, 'Buonanotte' is only said when someone is actually going to sleep or the night is completely over. For children, parents often add 'Sogni d'oro' to make it more tender. Unlike 'Goodnight' in English, which can sometimes be a dismissal, in Italy, it is always a warm closing to the day.