晚安
wǎn ān
Good night
晚安 (wǎn ān) is the standard and most common way to say "good night" in Mandarin Chinese. It's used when parting ways with someone in the evening, or when someone is going to bed.
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's appropriate for most situations. For a warmer or more caring tone, especially to someone going to sleep, you might say 早点休息 (zǎo diǎn xiūxi, "get some rest early") or 祝你睡个好觉 (zhù nǐ shuì gè hǎo jiào, "wish you a good sleep"). When someone says 晚安 to you, you can simply reply 晚安.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "wahn-AHN." Both characters are pronounced with a high, flat first tone.
Other ways to say it
- 早点休息zǎo diǎn xiū xiget some rest early (caring)
- 祝你睡个好觉zhù nǐ shuì gè hǎo juéwish you a good sleep
- 晚安啦wǎn ān lāgood night (softer, casual)
Examples
妈妈,晚安!
mā ma , wǎn ān !
Mom, good night!
我先走了,晚安。
wǒ xiān zǒu le , wǎn ān 。
I'm leaving now, good night.
晚安,明天见!
wǎn ān , míng tiān jiàn !
Good night, see you tomorrow!
Pro tip: Unlike "good morning" or "good afternoon," 晚安 is primarily a farewell or a wish for a peaceful night, used specifically when someone is going to bed or when you are parting ways for the evening, not generally as a greeting.
Related phrases
你好 · Hello你好吗 · How are you早上好 · Good morning
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