It is a polite way to wish someone a good night or peaceful rest.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A standard greeting used before going to sleep at night.
- Used when parting ways with someone late at night.
- Expresses a wish for the other person to rest well.
一般的な文脈：家族間では寝る前の習慣として、友人や同僚とは夜の飲み会や仕事の終了後の別れ際に使用されます。また、ホテルや旅館のスタッフが客に対して使うこともあります。
- 1類語との比較：「さようなら」は別れの挨拶ですが、時間帯に関係なく使われます。「おやすみなさい」は夜間限定であり、寝るという行為や休息を意識した言葉である点が異なります。また、「お疲れ様でした」は仕事の区切りに使われますが、夜遅い場合は「おやすみなさい」と組み合わせて使うこともあります。
Examples
お母さん、おやすみなさい。
everydayGood night, Mom.
部長、おやすみなさいませ。
formalGood night, Manager.
じゃあね、おやすみ！
informalSee you, good night!
寮の同室の友人に、毎晩おやすみなさいと言う。
academicI say good night to my roommate every night.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ゆっくりおやすみなさい
Have a good rest
明日も頑張ろう、おやすみなさい
Let's do our best tomorrow, good night
また明日、おやすみなさい
See you tomorrow, good night
Often Confused With
Sayounara is a generic farewell that can be used at any time of day, whereas Oyasuminasai is specific to the night or bedtime.
Otsukaresama is used to acknowledge someone's hard work, while Oyasuminasai focuses on the act of sleeping or ending the day.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'Oyasuminasai' for formal or polite situations, such as with superiors or acquaintances. Use 'Oyasumi' for close friends and family members. It is strictly used in the evening or night, never during the day.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using this phrase when greeting someone for the first time in the evening. Beginners sometimes confuse it with 'Sayounara', but remember that 'Oyasuminasai' implies the person is going to sleep or the day is over.
Tips
Use short form with friends
When speaking to friends or family, you can simply say 'Oyasumi' to sound more natural and close.
Do not use during the day
Avoid using this phrase during the daytime, as it is strictly reserved for the evening or before bed.
Politeness reflects care
In Japanese culture, wishing someone a good rest is a sign of respect and concern for their well-being.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'yasumu' (to rest). The phrase literally means 'please rest well'.
Cultural Context
In Japan, expressing concern for others' health and rest is a social virtue. This phrase is a staple of household etiquette, reinforcing the bond between family members at the end of the day.
Memory Tip
Think of 'O-yasu-mi' as a 'yasu' (rest) time. It sounds like a gentle lullaby to help you remember its purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「おやすみなさい」は丁寧な表現で、目上の人や公的な場でも使えます。「おやすみ」はカジュアルな表現で、家族や親しい友人間で使われます。
基本的には夜の挨拶なので、昼間に使うのは不自然です。昼寝をする相手に対して冗談で言うことは稀にあります。
はい、夜遅い時間の電話であれば、別れ際に「それでは、おやすみなさい」と言うのは非常に自然で丁寧です。
「おやすみなさい」は丁寧語ですので、上司や年長者に対しても問題なく使用できます。
Test Yourself
夜遅くに友人と別れるとき、「じゃあ、___。」と言います。
夜の別れ際には「おやすみ」が適切です。
「おやすみなさい」を使うべき場面は？
おやすみなさいは休息を願う言葉なので、寝る前が最適です。
（おやすみなさい / 先生 / ）
相手を呼ぶときは、コンマや読点を入れてから挨拶を続けるのが丁寧です。
Score: /3
Summary
It is a polite way to wish someone a good night or peaceful rest.
- A standard greeting used before going to sleep at night.
- Used when parting ways with someone late at night.
- Expresses a wish for the other person to rest well.
Use short form with friends
When speaking to friends or family, you can simply say 'Oyasumi' to sound more natural and close.
Do not use during the day
Avoid using this phrase during the daytime, as it is strictly reserved for the evening or before bed.
Politeness reflects care
In Japanese culture, wishing someone a good rest is a sign of respect and concern for their well-being.
Examples
4 of 4お母さん、おやすみなさい。
Good night, Mom.
部長、おやすみなさいませ。
Good night, Manager.
じゃあね、おやすみ！
See you, good night!
寮の同室の友人に、毎晩おやすみなさいと言う。
I say good night to my roommate every night.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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