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In the evening, when we part after the day's work, my colleagues wish me "goodnight" and I don't feel it right. What is the right thing to say in the evening (5 pm) when we part with our colleagues?

Hugo
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L K
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    Possible duplicate of “Good night” or “good evening”? – Vilmar Jan 08 '14 at 08:12
  • This might have been a better question for [ell.se]. Don't worry about it now, but you might want to check that out for next time. – J.R. Jan 08 '14 at 11:25
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    Check out this question: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/144766/why-is-good-night-dismissive I said in a comment there that "good night" is usually used when people are actually going to bed, but seeing your question, I remember hearing it in this same context, at the end of work. It is maybe not so common, but I think it works, so long as it is at least evening. Here it seems to be short for "Have a good night", rather than synonymous with "Sleep well", in the sense that you aren't wishing someone a good evening but then no more good later on! So you could say "Have a good night". – nxx Jan 08 '14 at 13:31
  • Have a good night. – Preston Jan 08 '14 at 14:04

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"Good evening" is usually used as a greeting, not for departure. "Good night" can be used for a 5pm departure, but generally it is reserved for a time past 6pm or so. An intermediate could be "have a good evening."

Kta
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    I think this is the wrong way round. "Good evening" can be used on departure, but "Good night" is never used as a greeting. – Andrew Leach Jan 08 '14 at 08:24
  • @AndrewLeach Don't the Irish sometimes say 'good night' as a greeting? I feel sure I have heard it used in that way somewhere. – WS2 Jan 08 '14 at 09:30
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    I agree that "Have a good night" is different than "Good night." Significantly different, even. – Preston Jan 08 '14 at 13:58
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"Good Night" can be used only when we are going to bed but we can use "Have a good night" while leaving an office or a meeting.

"Good Evening" can't be used at the time of departure as it sounds like a greeting.

Matt E. Эллен
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Rahul Mishra
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"Good evening" is most commonly used as a greeting, whereas "Good night" is a farewell.

Dave M
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