Meaning
A wish before going to sleep.
Cultural Background
The phrase is so iconic that it's the name of a famous Italian brand of chamomile tea (Sognid'oro), which almost every Italian has in their cupboard. It is often the very last thing said before lights are turned out, acting as a verbal 'hug'. In the 60s and 70s, the TV show 'Carosello' ended at 9 PM, signaling bedtime for children. Parents would say 'Sogni d'oro' as the show finished. While 'Sogni d'oro' is universal, in some southern regions, people might add 'Che la Madonna ti accompagni' (May the Madonna accompany you) for extra protection.
Add an emoji
When texting, always add 🌙 or ✨ to make it look native.
Watch the 'gn'
Don't pronounce the 'g' and 'n' separately. It's one smooth sound.
Meaning
A wish before going to sleep.
Add an emoji
When texting, always add 🌙 or ✨ to make it look native.
Watch the 'gn'
Don't pronounce the 'g' and 'n' separately. It's one smooth sound.
The 'Fai' factor
Adding 'Fai' (Fai sogni d'oro) makes you sound much more fluent and natural than just saying the two words alone.
The Tea Connection
If you see a box of 'Sognid'oro' in a supermarket, it's chamomile tea, not a book of dreams!
Test Yourself
Complete the bedtime wish.
Buonanotte a tutti e sogni ____!
The standard idiom is 'sogni d'oro'.
Which verb is most commonly used with 'sogni d'oro'?
____ sogni d'oro!
'Fai' (from fare) is the standard verb for 'having/making' dreams in this context.
In which situation is 'Sogni d'oro' appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
It is a bedtime wish.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vado a dormire, sono stanca. B: ________________.
When someone says they are going to sleep, 'Sogni d'oro' is the natural response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bedtime Vocabulary
Objects
- • Letto
- • Cuscino
- • Coperta
Actions
- • Dormire
- • Sognare
- • Riposare
Wishes
- • Sogni d'oro
- • Buonanotte
- • Dormi bene
Sogni d'oro vs. Buon riposo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBuonanotte a tutti e sogni ____!
The standard idiom is 'sogni d'oro'.
____ sogni d'oro!
'Fai' (from fare) is the standard verb for 'having/making' dreams in this context.
Choose the best scenario:
It is a bedtime wish.
A: Vado a dormire, sono stanca. B: ________________.
When someone says they are going to sleep, 'Sogni d'oro' is the natural response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is informal/neutral. Use it with family, friends, and partners.
Only if you have a very close, long-standing relationship. Otherwise, stick to 'Buonanotte'.
It's a cultural preference for the metaphor of value and purity over taste.
No, 'sogni' is masculine plural, and the wish is about the dreams, so it stays 'Sogni d'oro' for everyone.
Technically yes, but it's never used. The idiom is always plural.
People often just say 'Notte!' as a shortcut, but 'Sogni d'oro' is already quite short.
Usually 'Anche a te!' (To you too!) or 'Grazie, altrettanto!'
It's better to use 'Buon riposo' for short daytime sleeps.
Yes, it is a standard national idiom used from North to South.
Not at all. It is used by all ages, including teenagers in texts.
It's a contraction of 'di oro', meaning 'of gold'.
Only in a personal email to a friend or family member.
Related Phrases
Buonanotte
similarGoodnight
Dormi bene
similarSleep well
Buon riposo
similarHave a good rest
A domani
builds onSee you tomorrow
Fai la nanna
specialized formGo to sleep (baby talk)
