ราตรีสวัสดิ์
good night
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- 1 good night
A somewhat formal or elegant way to say “good night” when parting at night or before going to sleep.
good night
A nighttime farewell wishing someone a peaceful night. It sounds more formal or refined than common everyday alternatives.
Learning notes
Explanation
The expression combines ราตรี, “night,” with สวัสดิ์, a word associated with well-being, safety, and good fortune. Together, it conveys a wish for a peaceful night. It means “good night,” but in modern conversation it can sound formal, refined, or slightly literary. It is especially suitable for polished messages, program sign-offs, and romantic or ceremonious contexts. Male speakers may add ครับ and female speakers ค่ะ for politeness. Adding นะ, as in ราตรีสวัสดิ์นะ, gives it a softer and more affectionate tone.
Usage
Used before sleep, when ending a nighttime call or message, or as a closing greeting in a broadcast or piece of writing. It is especially appropriate when the speaker wants a calm, polished, or romantic tone.
Caution
This is not the greeting used when meeting someone in the evening. สวัสดีครับ or สวัสดีค่ะ is normally used on arrival, while ราตรีสวัสดิ์ is used when parting at night or going to bed. Among close friends and family, ฝันดี (“sweet dreams”) often sounds more natural and casual.
Differences from similar words
1 good night synonyms
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กู๊ดไนท์ is a casual loan from English and is often used with people one knows well. ราตรีสวัสดิ์ is a more formal Thai expression with a refined, sometimes romantic tone.
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ฝันดี literally wishes someone “sweet dreams” and is common in casual conversations and messages. ราตรีสวัสดิ์ serves as a nighttime farewell but sounds more formal and refined.