Saying goodnight in French is easy, and there are a few different ways to express the same sentiment. Whether you’re saying goodbye to a friend, family member, or lover, there are a few different ways to make sure you get your message across. Here are some of the most commonly used phrases to say goodnight in French.
Bonne nuit
This is one of the most common ways to say goodnight in French, and it’s the phrase you’ll hear most often when someone is bidding adieu. Bonne nuit literally translates to “good night”, and is the most common way to say goodbye in French. It’s also the most casual, so you can use it with pretty much anyone.
Bonsoir
This is another phrase you can use to say goodnight in French, and it’s usually used in a more formal setting. Bonsoir is used when you’re saying goodbye to someone you don’t know very well, such as a colleague or someone you’re meeting for the first time. It’s a polite and respectful way to say goodbye.
A demain
This phrase literally translates to “until tomorrow”, and you can use it when you want to say goodbye with the intention of seeing the person again tomorrow. It’s a more casual phrase, so you can use it with friends and family, but it’s also a nice way to say goodbye to someone you don’t know very well.
Bonne soirée
This phrase is similar to bonsoir, but it’s a bit more casual and is usually used when you’re saying goodbye to someone you know, such as a friend or family member. It literally translates to “good evening”, but it’s often used as a way to say goodbye. It’s a nice and polite way to bid someone adieu.
A bientôt
This phrase is used to say goodbye with the intention of seeing the person again soon. It literally translates to “until soon”, and is a nice way to say goodbye to someone with the expectation of seeing them again in the near future. It’s a bit more casual than some of the other phrases, so you can use it with friends and family.
Au revoir
This phrase is one of the most formal ways to say goodbye in French and it literally translates to “until we see each other again”. It’s usually used when you’re saying goodbye to someone you don’t know very well or when you’re not sure when you’ll see them again. It’s a polite and respectful way to bid someone adieu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common way to say goodnight in French?
The most common way to say goodnight in French is bonne nuit, which literally translates to “good night”.
Can I use bonsoir to say goodnight to friends and family?
Yes, you can use bonsoir to say goodnight to friends and family, although it’s usually used in a more formal setting.
What is the best way to say goodbye to someone you won’t see for a while?
The best way to say goodbye to someone you won’t see for a while is au revoir, which literally translates to “until we see each other again”.
Can I use a demain to say goodnight to someone I won’t see for a while?
No, it’s best to use au revoir when saying goodbye to someone you won’t see for a while, as a demain literally translates to “until tomorrow”.
What is the most polite way to say goodbye in French?
The most polite way to say goodbye in French is au revoir, which literally translates to “until we see each other again”.
Can I use bonne nuit to say goodbye to someone I don’t know very well?
Yes, you can use bonne nuit to say goodbye to someone you don’t know very well, as it’s the most common way to say goodnight in French.
What is the best way to say goodbye to someone you expect to see again soon?
The best way to say goodbye to someone you expect to see again soon is a bientôt, which literally translates to “until soon”.
What is the difference between bonsoir and bonne soirée?
The difference between bonsoir and bonne soirée is that bonsoir is more formal and is usually used when saying goodbye to someone you don’t know very well, while bonne soirée is more casual and is usually used when saying goodbye to someone you know, such as a friend or family member.
Can I use a demain to say goodbye to a colleague?
No, it’s best to use bonsoir when saying goodbye to a colleague, as a demain literally translates to “until tomorrow”.