24 Beautiful Japanese Ways to Say Good Night

When the day winds down and it’s time to rest, knowing how to say “good night” in Japanese can add a sweet touch to your bedtime routine.

Whether you’re chatting with friends, family, or practicing your language skills, these phrases bring warmth and connection to the night. Let’s explore 24 beautiful Japanese ways to say good night, from casual and cozy to polite and elegant.

Each phrase offers a little glimpse into Japanese culture and the gentle ways people wish each other peaceful rest. Learning them can make your good nights more meaningful and fun.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to add some flair to your Japanese, these expressions are easy to try and remember. Plus, they’ll help you sound more natural and thoughtful.

Mastering these good night phrases can brighten your evenings and deepen your friendships. It’s a lovely way to end the day on a kind note, no matter where you are.

Ready to tuck in with some new words? Let’s dive in and discover how to say good night in 24 beautiful ways!

Understanding Japanese Good Night Phrases

Japanese offers a variety of ways to say good night, each with its own nuance and level of politeness.

From simple casual expressions to formal phrases, choosing the right one depends on who you’re speaking to and the mood you want to create. It’s a charming part of the language!

Knowing these differences helps you connect better and feel more confident in conversations.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Practicing these phrases regularly will make them feel natural and easy to use.

Even just mastering one or two can brighten your nighttime exchanges immediately.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. おやすみ (Oyasumi) – oh-yah-soo-mee

Simply put, this is the most common casual way to say “good night.”

It’s short, sweet, and easy to remember — just おやすみ (Oyasumi). It literally means “rest,” so you’re wishing someone a restful night.

Perfect for family, close friends, or anyone you feel comfortable with.

It’s a great phrase to start with since it’s widely used and understood.

You might also hear おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) in more polite situations, but おやすみ works well for casual chats.

Try saying it to your Japanese friends or even to yourself before bed to get used to the warm vibe it carries.

2. じゃあね、おやすみ (Jā ne, oyasumi) – jah neh, oh-yah-soo-mee

This phrase pairs “see you” with “good night,” making it friendly and casual.

It’s easy to remember because じゃあね (Jā ne) means “see you” or “bye,” followed by おやすみ (Oyasumi) for good night. Say it to friends before parting ways at night.

It’s comforting and natural, perfect for casual conversations.

Be careful not to use it in formal settings, as it’s a bit too informal there.

Example: After a fun evening, you can say “じゃあね、おやすみ!” to your friends before heading home.

This phrase is a great step to sounding like a native in everyday chats.

3. いい夢を (Ii yume o) – ee yoo-meh oh

This means “sweet dreams” or literally “good dreams.”

It’s a lovely phrase to add after おやすみ to wish someone pleasant dreams. Easy to say once you know the words: いい (ii) means “good,” 夢 (yume) means “dream,” and を (o) marks the object.

It’s a sweet and thoughtful way to say good night.

Use it with close friends or family to show you care.

For example, you could say おやすみ、いい夢を！(Oyasumi, ii yume o!)

It adds a nice personal touch to your nighttime wishes.

4. また明日ね (Mata ashita ne) – mah-tah ah-shee-tah neh

This phrase means “see you tomorrow.”

It’s perfect when you want to say good night and remind someone you’ll catch up soon. また (Mata) means “again,” 明日 (ashita) means “tomorrow,” and ね (ne) adds a friendly tone.

It’s casual and optimistic.

Just be sure you actually plan to see them the next day!

Example: After a day spent together, saying また明日ね is a nice way to wrap up your time.

This phrase helps build a warm, ongoing connection.

5. お疲れ様、おやすみ (Otsukaresama, oyasumi) – oh-tsu-kah-reh-sah-mah, oh-yah-soo-mee

お疲れ様 (Otsukaresama) is a phrase used to say “thank you for your hard work.”

Adding おやすみ (Oyasumi) after it becomes a respectful and kind way to say “good night” to someone who’s had a long day.

It’s casual but shows appreciation, perfect for coworkers or friends after work.

Make sure to use it only with people you know well enough to express this level of kindness casually.

Example: After a busy day, you can say お疲れ様、おやすみ to a friend or colleague.

This phrase is a fantastic way to combine gratitude with a warm good night.

6. いい夜を (Ii yoru o) – ee yoh-roo oh

This means “have a good night.”

It’s a nice, simple phrase that’s easy to say and remember—いい (ii) means “good” and 夜 (yoru) means “night.” The を (o) marks the object.

It’s less common than おやすみ but still lovely and polite for casual use.

Be careful not to confuse it with おやすみ, which is more common.

Example: You can say いい夜を to someone heading out for the evening or before they go to bed.

A gentle phrase that wishes peaceful nighttime vibes.

7. ゆっくり休んでね (Yukkuri yasunde ne) – yoo-kkoo-ree yah-soon-deh neh

This means “rest well” or “take your time resting.”

ゆっくり (Yukkuri) means “slowly” or “leisurely,” 休んで (yasunde) is the te-form of “rest,” and ね (ne) adds a warm tone.

It’s a caring way to wish someone a relaxed night.

Great to use with close friends or family.

Example: Saying ゆっくり休んでね after a tiring day shows you care about their well-being.

It’s a comforting phrase that makes good night wishes feel extra gentle.

8. 夢で会おうね (Yume de aō ne) – yoo-meh deh ah-oh neh

This playful phrase means “let’s meet in a dream.”

夢 (Yume) means “dream,” で (de) marks the location (in), 会おう (aō) is the volitional form of “meet,” and ね (ne) adds a friendly tone.

It’s sweet, imaginative, and perfect for close friends or romantic partners.

Use it when you want to add a fun, dreamy vibe to your good night.

Example: Saying 夢で会おうね is a charming way to say good night with a hint of magic.

This phrase adds a whimsical touch to your bedtime goodbye.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – oh-yah-soo-mee-nah-sai

This is the polite form of おやすみ, often used in formal or respectful settings.

Adding なさい (nasai) makes it more courteous and appropriate for people you don’t know well or elders.

It’s easy to remember and sounds very respectful.

Don’t use the casual おやすみ with someone older or in formal situations if you want to be polite.

Example: Saying おやすみなさい to your teacher or host is a sign of good manners.

It’s a must-know phrase for polite nighttime farewells.

10. 良い夜をお過ごしください (Yoi yoru o osugoshi kudasai) – yoh-ee yoh-roo oh oh-soo-goh-shee koo-dah-sai

This formal phrase means “please have a good night.”

良い (Yoi) means “good,” 夜 (yoru) means “night,” お過ごしください (osugoshi kudasai) is a polite way of saying “please spend (time).” It’s perfect for formal letters, announcements, or respectful wishes.

It’s longer but very polite and gracious.

Avoid using it casually to keep the tone appropriate.

Example: Hotel staff might say this to guests at night.

This phrase elevates your good night wishes to a professional and elegant level.

11. ごゆっくりお休みください (Goyukkuri oyasumi kudasai) – go-yoo-kkoo-ree oh-yah-soo-mee koo-dah-sai

This is a very polite way to say “please rest well.”

ご (go) is an honorific prefix, ゆっくり (yukkuri) means “slowly,” お休みください (oyasumi kudasai) is the polite form of “please rest.”

Common in formal settings like hotels or customer service.

It’s a great phrase to show respect and care simultaneously.

Example: Use it when addressing guests or superiors at night.

It’s a polished phrase that conveys genuine kindness.

12. 明日も頑張ってくださいね (Ashita mo ganbatte kudasai ne) – ah-shee-tah moh gahn-baht-teh koo-dah-sai neh

This means “please do your best tomorrow as well.”

It’s a polite and encouraging phrase to say good night with motivation.

明日 (Ashita) means “tomorrow,” も (mo) means “also,” 頑張ってください (ganbatte kudasai) is “please do your best,” and ね (ne) softens the tone.

Use it with coworkers, friends, or family to inspire for the next day.

Example: Saying this after a long day at work adds warmth and support.

It’s a thoughtful way to combine good night with encouragement.

13. お身体に気をつけてお休みください (Okarada ni ki o tsukete oyasumi kudasai) – oh-kah-rah-dah nee kee oh tsu-keh-teh oh-yah-soo-mee koo-dah-sai

This phrase means “please take care of yourself and rest well.”

It’s a formal and kind way to wish someone good night while showing concern for their health.

お身体に気をつけて (Okarada ni ki o tsukete) means “take care of your body,” and お休みください (Oyasumi kudasai) is “please rest.”

Perfect for family, colleagues, or acquaintances when you want to be polite and caring.

Example: After a stressful day, this phrase is a warm way to send someone off to bed.

It shows empathy and respect in one go.

14. どうぞ良い夢をお見ください (Dōzo yoi yume o omi kudasai) – doh-zoh yoh-ee yoo-meh oh oh-mee koo-dah-sai

This is a very polite way to say “please have good dreams.”

どうぞ (Dōzo) means “please,” 良い夢 (yoi yume) is “good dreams,” and お見ください (omi kudasai) is a humble polite request to “please see.”

It’s a beautiful phrase for formal letters or respectful conversations.

Use it when you want to elevate your good night wishes elegantly.

Example: Sending a message to a respected elder or official might include this phrase.

It’s perfect for formal, caring communication.

15. 安らかな夜をお過ごしください (Yasuraka na yoru o osugoshi kudasai) – yah-soo-rah-kah nah yoh-roo oh oh-soo-goh-shee koo-dah-sai

This means “please have a peaceful night.”

安らかな (Yasuraka na) means “peaceful,” 夜 (yoru) means “night,” and お過ごしください (osugoshi kudasai) is a polite request to spend time.

It’s formal and perfect for cards, emails, or polite conversations wishing tranquility.

Example: Use it when you want to send calming, respectful good night wishes.

This phrase beautifully conveys your wish for restful peace.

It’s ideal for thoughtful, refined communication.

16. ごゆっくりお休みくださいませ (Goyukkuri oyasumi kudasaimase) – go-yoo-kkoo-ree oh-yah-soo-mee koo-dah-sai-mah-seh

This is the most formal and respectful way to say “please rest well.”

It’s often used by staff in hotels, ryokan (Japanese inns), or very formal situations.

ごゆっくり (Goyukkuri) means “at your leisure,” お休みくださいませ (Oyasumi kudasaimase) is a very polite form of “please rest.”

Use it to show the highest respect and hospitality.

Example: Guests leaving a ryokan might hear this phrase as a warm good night.

It’s a phrase that really shines in formal, service-driven contexts.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. おやすみん (Oyasumin) – oh-yah-soo-min

This is a cute, shortened slang version of おやすみ.

It’s used mostly among young people or close friends for a fun and informal vibe.

Easy to say and remember once you’re familiar with おやすみ.

Don’t use it in serious or formal settings.

Example: Friends texting each other late at night might say おやすみん.

It’s a playful way to sound like a native in casual chats.

18. ねんねしよう (Nenne shiyō) – nen-neh shee-yoh

This phrase means “let’s go to sleep” or “time to sleep.”

It’s casual and often used with children or very close friends.

ねんね (Nenne) is a childish word for sleep, and しよう (shiyō) means “let’s do.”

It’s adorable and comforting.

Example: A parent might say ねんねしよう when tucking a child in.

It makes bedtime feel gentle and cozy.

19. バイバイ、おやすみ (Baibai, oyasumi) – bye-bye, oh-yah-soo-mee

This mixes English “bye-bye” with おやすみ for a casual, trendy good night.

Popular among young people who blend languages playfully.

Simple and fun to say.

Best kept to casual conversations with friends.

Example: Saying バイバイ、おやすみ after a chat is warm and informal.

It reflects modern, youthful communication styles.

20. グッナイ (Gunnai) – goo-nai

This is a Japanese phonetic take on the English “good night.”

It’s borrowed slang, easy to say and casual.

Used mostly by younger generations in informal settings.

Not suitable for formal or polite conversation.

Example: Friends might say グッナイ to each other before sleeping.

It’s a fun, modern way to say good night.

21. まったね、おやすみ (Matta ne, oyasumi) – maht-tah neh, oh-yah-soo-mee

まったね means “see you later,” combined with おやすみ for a friendly good night.

It’s casual, easy to remember, and warm.

Great for friends or informal chats.

Avoid using it in formal settings.

Example: After hanging out, saying まったね、おやすみ feels friendly and natural.

It’s a smooth way to close a casual conversation.

22. よい夢見てね (Yoi yume mite ne) – yoh-ee yoo-meh mee-teh neh

This phrase means “have good dreams.”

It’s casual and affectionate, with よい夢 (yoi yume) meaning “good dreams,” 見て (mite) meaning “see,” and ね (ne) softening the tone.

Great for close friends or loved ones.

Simple and warm.

Example: Saying よい夢見てね before sleep shows you care.

It’s a sweet, native-like phrase to add to your collection.

23. おやすみー (Oyasumī) – oh-yah-soo-mee (elongated)

This is a stretched-out, playful version of おやすみ.

It sounds relaxed and affectionate, perfect among close friends or couples.

Easy to say and remember once you know おやすみ.

Not for formal use.

Example: Texting a friend おやすみー adds warmth and casual charm.

It’s a fun way to sound more native and friendly.

24. そろそろ寝るね (Sorosoro neru ne) – soh-roh-soh-roh neh-roo neh

This phrase means “I’m about to sleep soon.”

そろそろ (Sorosoro) means “soon” or “it’s about time,” 寝る (neru) means “to sleep,” and ね (ne) adds a friendly tone.

It’s a casual, native-like way to signal bedtime.

Perfect for conversations where you want to hint you’re calling it a night.

Example: Saying そろそろ寝るね to friends lets them know you’re heading to bed.

It’s a natural expression to use in daily chats.

Concluding Thought

Exploring all these beautiful ways to say good night in Japanese shows just how rich and varied this simple phrase can be.

Whether casual, polite, or playful, each one carries warmth and intent, perfect for connecting with others as your day ends.

So go ahead, try a few, and make your good nights in Japanese feel just as lovely as the dreams that follow.