9 super-cool expressions to say good night in Japanese

Some of you may already know how to say goodnight in Japanese, especially if you watch anime or have previously studied the language. Most probably, the expression you learned for goodnight was おやすみ (oyasumi). But do you know that there are numerous other phrases you can use instead of oyasumi?

In this guide, you will learn 9 unique and cool Japanese phrases for saying goodnight in Japanese.  You will also be able to tell which Japanese expression is appropriate for which situation. So, let’s get started!

Learn to say good night in Japanese

1.    Goodnight

Japanese: おやすみ

Romaji: oyasumi

The most common and straightforward way to say goodnight in Japanese is おやすみ (oyasumi). This phrase can be used before going to bed or when leaving somewhere late at night and saying goodbye to your friends. If it’s late at night, you can use it before hanging up the phone.

Many Japanese learners get confused between Oyasumi and Oyasuminasai. おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai) is the more formal form of おやすみ (oyasumi). So, if you want to wish goodnight to someone who is your senior, in terms of ranking and age, you should use oyasuminasai. Japanese people generally use oyasumi for family members and friends.

Whenever you learn Japanese greetings, we recommend you understand the context in which they are used. It will help you understand the language better.

2.    It’s time to get under the blanket

Japanese: そろそろおふとん入るね

Romaji: sorosoro ofuton hairune

This Japanese phrase is commonly used to warn children that bedtime is approaching. They are expected to put down their work and go to bed. It’s also acceptable to say this to a close friend, but keep in mind that this phrase is very casual and should not be used around people who are older than you.

3.    Sweet dreams

Japanese: 良い夢見てね

Romaji: yoi yume mitene

After oyasumi, this is the second most common phrase to say goodnight in Japan. Remember that this is a casual and informal expression, so only use it with family and friends.

4.    Let’s meet in our dreams

Japanese: また後で夢で会おうね

Romaji: mata atode yumede aoune

This Japanese phrase means “see you again in our dreams” or “let’s meet in our dreams.” As you might expect, this phrase is only appropriate for couples in love.

5.    Sleep tight

Japanese: ゆっくりおやすみ

Romaji: yukkuri oyasum

This Japanese phrase means to sleep deeply and sufficiently to recharge your energy levels for the next day. Because it is a casual and informal phrase, you can use it with anyone except those with seniority over you.

6.    See you in the morning

Japanese: 朝にまた会いましょう

Romaji: asa ni mata aimashō

This phrase is commonly heard among Japanese people, but it can be both formal and informal depending on the situation. When leaving a group of people, use this phrase as a goodbye rather than a goodnight. Just make sure you see them tomorrow morning, or else using this phrase is pointless.

7.    Dream of me

Japanese: 私の夢

Romaji: watashi no yume

Because this is an informal phrase, you should only use it with close friends or your romantic partner. If you are talking to your lover on the phone or texting, this is a good phrase to use.

8.    Sleep With Angels

Japanese: 天使と一緒に寝る

Romaji: tenshi to isshoni neru

This phrase has two different meanings, but they have nothing to do with each other, so you should be cautious and aware of the situation before using it.

The first meaning is literally to wish someone to sleep with angels, as into sleep so well and comfortably. The second meaning of this phrase is “death.” When speaking about a deceased person, you can say something like 彼女は今天使と寝ています (kanojo wa ima tenshi to nete imasu).   This means she is now sleeping with the angels.

9.    I will be dreaming of you

Japanese: 私はあなたの夢を見ます

Romaji: watashi wa anata no yume wo mimasu

It is another romantic way to say goodnight in Japanese. If you are dating a Japanese person and want them to know that you want to be with them even when you are sleeping, this is the phrase for you.

Some sleep-related vocabulary in Japanese

English	Japanese (Romaji)
To sleep	寝る
Sleepy	眠い
To lie down	横になる
Lack of sleep	睡眠不足
Sleeping pill	睡眠薬
To rest	休む
To go to bed	床につく
Bed	ベッド
Pillow	まくら

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Frequently asked questions

Q. Is it Oyasuminasai or Oyasumi?

A. Both mean good night, but the shorter one is less polite. You must use おやすみなさい, the longer one when you say good night to your guest, teacher, boss, etc. To your family, both are fine. Kids are generally taught to use おやすみなさい first, and then they start to use おやすみ somewhere in their childhood.

Q. Can I say Konichiwa at night?

A. When it comes to using Konnichiwa in different social contexts, you should know that it can be used safely in all kinds of situations (only between morning and evening; never early in the morning or late at night), except those involving very close friends.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have explored several ways to say good night in Japanese along with some sleep-related vocabulary words. These basic Japanese greetings play an important role in improving your Japanese speaking skills and get you one step closer to native Japanese speakers.

You can also learn good morning in Japanese to start your mornings with a happy mood and healthy mindset. Keep learning!