Meaning
A farewell greeting used before going to sleep.
Cultural Background
Iranians often follow 'Shab bekheir' with 'Khoub bekhabi' (Sleep well) or 'Khab-haye khoub bebini' (May you see good dreams). It is considered cold to just say 'Shab bekheir' to a loved one without these additions. In Dari Persian, 'Shab-e tan khosh' is also very common, though 'Shab bekheir' is universally understood and used in urban centers like Kabul. Tajik speakers might use 'Shab ba khayr', which is the same phrase but with a slightly different prepositional structure reflecting the local dialect.
The 'Ta'arof' Exit
If you are at an Iranian home, say 'Shab bekheir' when you stand up to leave, not while you are still sitting and eating fruit.
Arrival Error
Never walk into a room and say 'Shab bekheir'. It will sound like you are immediately leaving or telling everyone to go to bed.
Meaning
A farewell greeting used before going to sleep.
The 'Ta'arof' Exit
If you are at an Iranian home, say 'Shab bekheir' when you stand up to leave, not while you are still sitting and eating fruit.
Arrival Error
Never walk into a room and say 'Shab bekheir'. It will sound like you are immediately leaving or telling everyone to go to bed.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say goodnight to your mother.
مامان، من میروم بخوابم. شب ____!
The standard phrase is 'Shab bekheir'.
In which situation should you say 'Shab bekheir'?
You just arrived at a party at 9:00 PM.
You should use 'Salam' when arriving. 'Shab bekheir' is for leaving.
Which one is the informal version used for a close friend?
How do you say 'Goodnight' informally?
The suffix '-et' makes it informal and singular.
Complete the phone call.
سارا: 'خیلی دیر شده، باید بخوابم.' علی: 'باشه، ________.'
Since Sara is going to sleep, 'Shab bekheir' is the appropriate response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Nighttime Phrases
Farewells
- • شب بخیر
- • شبت بخیر
- • شب خوش
Bedtime
- • خوب بخوابی
- • خوابای خوب ببینی
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمامان، من میروم بخوابم. شب ____!
The standard phrase is 'Shab bekheir'.
You just arrived at a party at 9:00 PM.
You should use 'Salam' when arriving. 'Shab bekheir' is for leaving.
How do you say 'Goodnight' informally?
The suffix '-et' makes it informal and singular.
سارا: 'خیلی دیر شده، باید بخوابم.' علی: 'باشه، ________.'
Since Sara is going to sleep, 'Shab bekheir' is the appropriate response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with anyone. To make it informal, say 'Shabet bekheir'. To make it formal, say 'Shabetan bekheir'.
No, that is too early. Use 'Khoda-hafez' or 'Asr bekheir'. Use 'Shab bekheir' only after it is dark and late.
'Shab bekheir' is the standard farewell. 'Shab khosh' is slightly more formal and can sometimes be used as a greeting (Good evening).
Simply repeat it back: 'Shab-e shoma ham bekheir' (Goodnight to you too) or just 'Shab bekheir'.
Related Phrases
صبح بخیر
similarGood morning
شب خوش
synonymGoodnight / Pleasant night
خوابهای خوب ببینی
builds onSweet dreams
