published November 9, 2023 
As evening descends over Italy’s picturesque landscapes, a beautiful linguistic tradition unfolds. The air fills with various expressions of goodnight, each carrying its own nuance and warmth. For anyone delving into the Italian language, these phrases are your passport to heartfelt nightly exchanges.
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In Italy, bidding someone goodnight is more than a ritual—it’s a way to express care, friendship, and love. With a language rich in expression, Italians use a variety of phrases to say goodnight, each appropriate for different situations. From formal farewells to casual partings among friends, this guide will walk you through the most commonly used Italian goodnight greetings, complete with examples to help you practice.
Buona Notte! / Buonanotte!
A universally recognized phrase, “Buona notte” or “Buonanotte,” is the go-to way to say goodnight in Italian. It fits all occasions, from saying goodbye to a colleague to whispering to a child at bedtime. Adding a term of endearment personalizes this phrase for family and loved ones.
| Buona notte! / Buonanotte! | Goodnight | bwoh-nah noh-tte / bwoh-nah-noh-tte |  ”Buona notte, amore mio.” (Goodnight, my love.)”Domani è un altro giorno, buonanotte.” (Tomorrow is another day, goodnight.)”Hai fatto un ottimo lavoro oggi, buonanotte.” (You did a great job today, goodnight.) |
‘Notte!
Short, sweet, and informal, “‘Notte” is what you’d say to friends after a night out or to family members in a casual setting. It’s the equivalent of saying “night” and carries a friendly and relaxed tone.
| ‘Notte! | Night! | noh-tte |  ”‘Notte, ci vediamo domani!” (Night, see you tomorrow!)”E’ stata una bella serata, ‘notte!” (It was a great evening, night!)“Sto andando a dormire, ‘notte a tutti!” (I’m off to sleep, night everyone!) |
Dormi Bene!
This endearing phrase means “sleep well” and is typically used in informal contexts. It changes slightly depending on who you’re speaking to, but the sentiment remains the same: a wish for a restful sleep.
| Dormi bene! | Sleep well | dor-mee beh-neh |  ”Dopo questa giornata lunga, dormi bene.” (After such a long day, sleep well.)”Hai bisogno di riposare, dormi bene.” (You need to rest, sleep well.)”Dormi bene e sogni d’oro.” (Sleep well and sweet dreams.) |
Fai una Bella Dormita!
“Fai una bella dormita” or “Have a good sleep” is a heartfelt way to tell someone you care about their rest. It’s another informal phrase that can be adapted for formal situations or when addressing a group.
| Fai una bella dormita! | Have a good sleep | fah-ee oo-nah behl-lah dor-mee-tah |  ”Fai una bella dormita, ne hai bisogno.” (Have a good sleep, you need it.)”Domani sarà una giornata impegnativa, fai una bella dormita.” (Tomorrow will be a busy day, have a good sleep.)”Buonanotte e fai una bella dormita.” (Goodnight and have a good sleep.) |
Sogni d’Oro!
“Sogni d’oro” translates to “golden dreams,” but it’s akin to “sweet dreams” in English. It’s a phrase filled with affection, often reserved for those closest to you as they drift off to sleep.
| Sogni d’oro! | Sweet dreams | soh-nyee doh-roh |  ”Ti tuck in, sogni d’oro.” (Tucking you in, sweet dreams.)”Spegni la luce, sogni d’oro.” (Turning off the light, sweet dreams.)”Sogni d’oro, a domani.” (Sweet dreams, see you tomorrow.) |
Riposati!
When you know someone is exhausted, “Riposati” is the perfect phrase to show you care. It translates to “rest well,” offering a gentle reminder to take the time to recharge.
| Riposati! | Have a good rest | ree-po-sah-tee |  ”Hai lavorato tanto, ora riposati.” (You’ve worked so hard, now rest well.)”Prenditi il tuo tempo per riposare, riposati.” (Take your time to rest, rest well.)”Ora stacca la spina, riposati.” (Now unplug, rest well.) |
In the heart of Italian culture lies the beauty of connection, often expressed through simple nightly greetings. These phrases are the threads that weave the fabric of Italian social life, adding depth and warmth to the tapestry of daily interactions. As you practice these expressions, remember that each goodnight is an opportunity to touch hearts and nurture relationships. So go ahead, wish someone “Buona notte” and be a part of Italy’s enchanting evening ritual. 
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