In Japanese, "Oyasumi nasai" is a phrase used as a greeting before going to bed. It’s commonly said to family members or partners who are nearby at bedtime but is also used in various other situations, such as at the end of a nighttime phone call or a late-night chat. This article will explain its meaning, typical usage, responses, and example scenarios.
What Does "Oyasumi nasai" Mean?
"Oyasumi nasai" is a phrase used to say good night before sleeping. It combines the verb "休む（Yasumu）," meaning "to rest," with the polite imperative "なさい（Nasai）" and the honorific prefix "お（O）." While it might sound like a command, it is almost never used that way.
This phrase is believed to have originated from a longer expression used by innkeepers, meaning "Please take your time to rest." Over time, it was shortened to "Oyasumi nasai." Historically, it was said by people who were staying awake to those who were going to sleep. Nowadays, however, it’s typically used the other way around, with the person going to bed saying it to others.
While "Oyasumi nasai" is most often used as a nighttime greeting, it isn’t strictly limited to night. People who work night shifts and sleep during the day or those taking a nap can also use it. This makes it a versatile phrase that works regardless of the time of day.
How Is "Oyasumi nasai" Used?
1. To family or partners before bed
One common usage is to say "Oyasumi nasai" to family members or a partner before going to sleep. This could be when you’re getting into bed or leaving a shared space like the living room to go to your bedroom. Typically, the person heading to bed says it first.
2. To friends or colleagues
Another scenario is when saying goodbye to friends or close colleagues after a late-night gathering or chat. It can also be used to end a phone call or online conversation when it’s near bedtime.
What’s the Difference Between "Oyasumi" and "Oyasumi nasai"?
The difference between "Oyasumi" and "Oyasumi nasai" lies in their formality. "Oyasumi" is a casual version often used with family, close friends, or a partner. In contrast, "Oyasumi nasai" is a polite version suitable for elders, superiors, or people you’re less familiar with. However, using "Oyasumi nasai" with family or friends doesn’t come across as overly formal or awkward. On the other hand, using "Oyasumi" with someone older or in a higher position can seem disrespectful. If you’re unsure which to use, it’s safer to go with "Oyasumi nasai."
How Do You Write "Oyasumi nasai" in Hiragana?
In Japanese, "Oyasumi nasai" is written in hiragana as "おやすみなさい." While it can also be written in kanji, when used as a bedtime greeting, it is most commonly written in hiragana.
How Do You Write "Oyasumi nasai" in Kanji?
When written in kanji, "Oyasumi nasai" can appear as "お休みなさい" or "御休みなさい," reflecting its origins in the phrase "ゆっくりお休みになってください."
However, for a bedtime greeting, hiragana is generally preferred. This is because the kanji "お休み" can also mean "vacation" or "absence." Many Japanese people might interpret the kanji form as referring to "time off" or "absence," so writing it in hiragana ensures clarity and is the recommended choice.
How to Respond to "Oyasumi nasai"
The usual way to respond to "Oyasumi nasai" is to say "Oyasumi nasai" in return. If someone greets you with the casual "Oyasumi," you can respond with "Oyasumi" if they are a family member, partner, or close friend. For someone older or in a higher position, replying with the polite "Oyasumi nasai" is more appropriate. Depending on your relationship, here are some possible responses:
Responses to "Oyasumi nasai" for Friends and Family
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| うん、おやすみ | Un, Oyasumi | A simple response. |
| ゆっくり休んで | Yukkuri yasunde | Wishing them a restful time. |
| じゃあ、また明日 | Jaa, Mata ashita | "See you tomorrow." |
| いい夢みてね | Ii yume mitene | Wishing them sweet dreams. |
Responses to "Oyasumi nasai" for Seniors or Superiors
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| おやすみなさい | Oyasumi nasai | A simple polite reply. |
| おやすみなさいませ | Oyasumi nasai mase | A more formal version. |
| お疲れさまでした | Otsukare sama deshita | Acknowledging their effort with respect. |
| はい、失礼いたします | Hai, Shitsurei Itashimasu | A formal farewell, often when leaving. |
Other Bedtime Greetings Beyond "Oyasumi nasai"
While "Oyasumi nasai" is appropriate in casual interactions with family and friends, it might feel too informal or incomplete in some contexts, such as with superiors. Alternatively, casual variations might be used between close acquaintances. Here are some alternative phrases for bedtime greetings:
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| お先に休ませていただきます | Osaki ni yasumasete itadaki masu | "I'll rest before you" (formal). |
| お先に | Osakini | A casual way to say "I'll rest before you." |
| お先に失礼します | Osakini shitsurei shimasu | Used when leaving or going to bed first. |
| もう寝るね | Mou neru ne | A casual "I'm going to bed now." |
Regional Variations of "Oyasumi nasai"
While the standard "Oyasumi nasai" is widely used across Japan as a bedtime greeting, many regions have their own unique variations. Here are a few examples of regional expressions:
- Aomori Prefecture: おやしみ / Oyashimi
- Iwate Prefecture: おやすめぁんしぇ / Oyasumeanshe
- Akita Prefecture: やしめわなあ / Yashimewanaa
- Miyagi Prefecture: おみょーぬず / Omyonuzu
- Ibaraki Prefecture: おやすみなんしょ / Oyasuminansho
- Ishikawa Prefecture: おやすみーや / Oyasumiiya
- Nagano Prefecture: おやすみなして / Oyasuminashite
- Gifu Prefecture: ねよめぁーか / Neyomeaaka
- Shizuoka Prefecture: おしまいなさい / Oshimainasai
- Mie Prefecture: おやすみなして / Oyasuminashite
- Shimane Prefecture: ねんさい / Nensai
- Kagoshima Prefecture: おやすんみゃんせ / Oyasunmyanse
Example Conversations Using "Oyasumi nasai"
Here are some scenarios with sample dialogues to help you understand and use "Oyasumi nasai" naturally:
Conversation Between Parent and Child
A: まだ寝てなかったの？ / Mada nete nakatta no?
B: うん、もう寝るね。 / Un, Mou nerune.
A: そう、おやすみなさい。 / Sou, Oyasumi nasai.
B: うん、おやすみなさい。 / Un, Oyasumi nasai.
Conversation Between Partners
A: 明日は早起きしないといけないから先に寝るね。 / Ashita wa hayaoki shinaito ikenai kara saki ni nerune.
B: うん、おやすみ。 / Un, Oyasumi.
A: おやすみ。 / Oyasumi.
Conversation After Dinner with Friends
A: 今日は楽しかったね。 / Kyou wa tanoshikatta ne.
B: うん、また今度会おう。 / Un, Mata kondo aou.
A: そうだね。じゃあ、おやすみ。 / Sou da ne. Jaa, oyasumi.
B: うん、おやすみ。 / Un, Oyasumi.
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