Meaning
A wish before going to sleep.
Cultural Background
The 'Dobranocka' was a cultural touchstone for decades, airing at 7 PM. It created a national bedtime for children. Poles often use 'Dobranoc' as a way to politely end a phone call that has gone on too long late at night. In rural areas, 'Dobranoc' might be followed by a religious wish, though this is becoming less common in cities. It is considered rude to leave a small social gathering without saying 'dobranoc' to everyone present.
Greeting vs Parting
Never use 'dobranoc' to say hello. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
The Slang Version
Use 'Branoc' in text messages to sound like a native speaker.
Meaning
A wish before going to sleep.
Greeting vs Parting
Never use 'dobranoc' to say hello. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
The Slang Version
Use 'Branoc' in text messages to sound like a native speaker.
Sweet Dreams
Add 'Kolorowych snów' when talking to children or romantic partners for extra warmth.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct Polish phrase for leaving a party at 11 PM.
Jest już bardzo późno. Dziękuję za wszystko i ________!
Since it is late and you are leaving, 'Dobranoc' is the correct choice.
Which phrase should you use when you walk INTO a restaurant at 9 PM?
Wchodzisz do restauracji o 21:00. Co mówisz?
'Dobry wieczór' is the greeting for arriving at night. 'Dobranoc' is only for leaving.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Bedtime with a child, 2. Arriving at a late meeting, 3. Casual text to a friend.
C is affectionate for children, A is a greeting for arrival, B is casual slang for friends.
Complete the dialogue.
Marek: Idę już spać. Ania: ________, śpij dobrze.
Ania is responding to Marek going to sleep.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Dobranoc
Bedtime
- • Going to sleep
- • Tucking in kids
- • Ending the day
Parting
- • Leaving a party
- • Ending a call
- • Closing a chat
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJest już bardzo późno. Dziękuję za wszystko i ________!
Since it is late and you are leaving, 'Dobranoc' is the correct choice.
Wchodzisz do restauracji o 21:00. Co mówisz?
'Dobry wieczór' is the greeting for arriving at night. 'Dobranoc' is only for leaving.
1. Bedtime with a child, 2. Arriving at a late meeting, 3. Casual text to a friend.
C is affectionate for children, A is a greeting for arrival, B is casual slang for friends.
Marek: Idę już spać. Ania: ________, śpij dobrze.
Ania is responding to Marek going to sleep.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is always written as one word in modern Polish.
Yes, if you are leaving work or a meeting late at night, it is perfectly polite.
'Dobranoc' is the standard form; 'Dobrej nocy' is slightly more formal/elegant.
Only if the person is actually going to bed. Otherwise, it's too early.
It's a casual, shortened version of 'dobranoc' used among friends.
Yes, 'Dobranoc, kochanie' or 'Dobranoc, słoneczko' are very common.
It's part of a traditional rhyming joke: 'Dobranoc, pchły na noc' (Goodnight, fleas for the night).
No, it is indeclinable. It stays the same regardless of the sentence.
Only in very informal, late-night emails to friends or family.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Dzień dobry' is the standard morning greeting.
Related Phrases
Dobrej nocy
similarGood night (Genitive form)
Dobry wieczór
contrastGood evening
Kolorowych snów
builds onColorful dreams
Śpij dobrze
builds onSleep well
Branoc
specialized formNighty-night
