Meaning
The time of darkness.
Cultural Background
Whistling at night is a major taboo as it is thought to attract 'shötgör' (ghosts) or cause high winds that could blow away the ger. One should not give away milk or white food (tsagaan idee) after dark, as it is believed to diminish the 'hishig' (blessing) of the family's livestock. The city has a vibrant 'nightlife' (шөнийн амьдрал) with many 24-hour karaoke boxes and pubs, contrasting with the quiet countryside. The 'Night Sky' (Шөнийн тэнгэр) was the primary map for nomads. Knowing the position of the North Star (Алтан гадас) was essential for night travel.
Greeting Rule
Only use 'Шөнө мэнд' when you are actually parting ways to go to sleep.
Vowel Harmony
Always use 'ө' suffixes (like -дөө) with 'шөнө'. Never use 'а' or 'о' suffixes.
Meaning
The time of darkness.
Greeting Rule
Only use 'Шөнө мэнд' when you are actually parting ways to go to sleep.
Vowel Harmony
Always use 'ө' suffixes (like -дөө) with 'шөнө'. Never use 'а' or 'о' suffixes.
Last Night
To sound like a native, use 'Өчигдөр шөнө' for things that happened while you were asleep, and 'Өчигдөр орой' for things that happened after work.
Taboo
Don't whistle at night in a Mongolian home; it's considered very rude and unlucky.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Шөнө'.
Би ______ 11 цагт унтдаг.
11 PM is nighttime, so 'шөнө' is the correct choice.
Which phrase is used to say 'Goodnight'?
How do you say Goodnight?
'Шөнө мэнд' literally means 'Night peace' and is used for goodnight.
Match the Mongolian word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four main times of day.
Complete the dialogue.
А: Сайхан амраарай! Б: ___________!
When someone says 'Rest well,' the standard response is 'Goodnight'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Times of Day in Mongolian
AM
- • Өглөө (Morning)
- • Үүр (Dawn)
Day
- • Өдөр (Day)
- • Үд (Noon)
PM
- • Орой (Evening)
- • Бүрэнхий (Twilight)
Night
- • Шөнө (Night)
- • Шөнө дунд (Midnight)
Oroi vs. Shönö
Practice Bank
4 exercisesБи ______ 11 цагт унтдаг.
11 PM is nighttime, so 'шөнө' is the correct choice.
How do you say Goodnight?
'Шөнө мэнд' literally means 'Night peace' and is used for goodnight.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four main times of day.
А: Сайхан амраарай! Б: ___________!
When someone says 'Rest well,' the standard response is 'Goodnight'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is primarily a noun meaning 'night,' but it can function as an adjective in the genitive form 'Шөнийн' (nightly).
No, 'Шөнө мэнд' is only for saying goodbye at night. Use 'Оройн мэнд' for hello.
You can say 'шөнө' or more commonly 'шөнөдөө'.
'Шөнө' is the time period, 'Харанхуй' is the state of being dark.
Yes, many businesses in Ulaanbaatar are 24/7, but in the countryside, night is strictly for rest or guarding herds.
Use the word 'Шөнөжин'.
Technically 'Шөнүүд' exists, but it is rarely used. People usually say 'Олон шөнө' (Many nights).
Usually around 10:00 PM or when it is completely dark.
No, that would be 'Орой'.
Yes, it is a standard neutral word used in all levels of formality.
Related Phrases
Шөнө дунд
specialized formMidnight
Шөнөжин
builds onAll night long
Шөнийн ээлж
specialized formNight shift
Орой
contrastEvening
Харанхуй
similarDark/Darkness
