How to Say “Have a Good Night” in Japanese?

Ah, the art of saying good night in another language. Simple, right? Just memorize a phrase and you’re good to go! Well, hold your chopsticks, because Japanese has a few twists up its sleeve.

You see, in English, we just say “Good night” and call it a day (or a night, technically). But in Japan? There are multiple ways to say it, each depending on the situation, who you’re talking to, and whether you’re planning to see them again in this lifetime or not. (Okay, that last part was dramatic, but stay with me.)

So, let’s break it down in a fun, no-BS way. And by the end, you’ll know exactly what to say when you’re waving goodbye under the glow of Tokyo’s neon lights or just texting your anime-loving best friend before bed.

The Classic: Oyasuminasai (おやすみなさい)

This is the gold standard of saying good night in Japanese. It’s polite, versatile, and works in almost any situation. If you’re tucking your kid into bed, leaving a dinner party, or just ending a wholesome Zoom call with your Japanese language tutor, oyasuminasai is your best bet.

👉 Pro tip: If you’re feeling casual (like saying good night to a friend or partner), you can drop the “nasai” and just say oyasumi (おやすみ). It’s like saying “night!” instead of “good night.”

When to Use It:

• Before heading to bed (duh)
• Wishing someone a restful sleep
• Wrapping up an evening chat with a friend
• When you want to sound effortlessly polite (because you’re fancy like that)

The Cool & Casual: Ja, Mata Ashita! (じゃ、また明日！)

Literally: “Well, see you tomorrow!”

This isn’t a direct translation of “good night,” but it’s what a lot of Japanese people say when parting ways in the evening. It’s casual, friendly, and gives off “Hey, we’re cool, I’ll see you again soon” vibes.

If you’re at a nomikai (Japanese drinking party) and heading home before your friend passes out from too much sake, just say ja, mata ashita! instead of getting all formal.

When to Use It:

• When you actually plan to see the person the next day
• Saying goodbye after a fun night out
• Keeping things light and friendly without sounding like a bedtime story narrator

The Formal Exit: Shitsurei Shimasu (失礼します)

Literally: “Excuse me for leaving.”

Sounds kind of serious, right? That’s because it’s business-level serious. If you’re wrapping up a late-night work meeting or leaving a professional event, this is your best bet. It’s more about excusing yourself rather than wishing someone a peaceful slumber, but hey, corporate life is different.

When to Use It:

• Leaving an office after working late
• Saying good night to your boss (without sounding overly familiar)
• When you want to sound ultra-respectful in formal settings

The Flirty or Cute One: Yoi Yume Wo (良い夢を)

Literally: “Have sweet dreams!”

Now we’re getting into romantic territory. If you’re texting your crush or whispering to your significant other before bed, this is a sweet way to wish them a pleasant night. It’s not something you’d say to your boss unless you enjoy awkward HR meetings.

When to Use It:

• Sending a cute good night text
• Trying to flirt in Japanese (because why not?)
• Sounding poetic and dreamy (literally)

The Unexpected But Fun: Osakini (お先に)

Literally: “I’m heading off before you.”

This one’s a sleeper hit (pun intended). If you’re the first to call it a night while others are still out, you can say osakini as a polite way to say “I’m off!” It’s often used in workplaces when you’re leaving before your colleagues, but it can work socially too.

When to Use It:

• If you’re leaving a late dinner while others stay
• Clocking out of work before your teammates
• Casually saying good night without making a big deal out of it

Bonus: How NOT to Say Good Night in Japanese

Now that you’re armed with all these cool options, let’s talk about what not to say.

🚫 Konbanwa (こんばんは) – This means “Good evening,” not “Good night.” If you say this as you’re leaving, it’ll sound weird, like you’re greeting someone instead of saying goodbye.

🚫 Sayonara (さようなら) – Unless you’re starring in a dramatic movie scene, don’t say this when parting for the night. It has a forever goodbye vibe, and no one wants that.

🚫 Oyasumi in a Business Setting – If you’re in a formal environment, saying oyasumi alone might sound too casual. Stick to shitsurei shimasu or osakini instead.

So, Which One Should You Use?

If you’re feeling stuck, here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Final Thoughts (Before You Drift Off to Sleep)

Saying good night in Japanese isn’t just about translating words—it’s about knowing the culture and choosing the right phrase for the moment. Whether you want to sound polite, casual, or like a total heartthrob, now you know exactly what to say.

So next time you’re about to sign off for the night, try using oyasumi instead of a plain old “Good night.” And if you ever find yourself in Japan, well… you’ll be sleeping soundly knowing you nailed it. 😉

P.S. Want more fun Japanese language tips? Stick around and explore more posts!