Translation guide
In Japanese, 'last night' is most commonly expressed as 昨夜 (sakuya) or 昨日の夜 (kinō no yoru). The choice depends on formality and context. 昨夜 is more formal and written, while 昨日の夜 is casual and conversational. There are also other expressions like 昨晩 (sakuban) and ゆうべ (yūbe) with specific nuances.
Referring to the nighttime period of the previous day, typically from evening to early morning.
Standard word for 'last night'. Slightly formal, common in both spoken and written Japanese.
昨夜 (sakuya) is more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. 昨日の夜 (kinō no yoru) is casual and used in everyday conversation. In very informal settings, 昨日の夜 may be preferred. Both are widely understood.
昨夜のニュースを見ましたか。
Did you see the news last night? (polite)
昨日の夜、ゲームしてたよ。
I was playing games last night. (casual)
Do not translate 'last night' as 最後の夜 (saigo no yoru), which means 'the final night' or 'the last night (of something)'. Use the expressions above for the previous night.
昨夜は早く寝ました。
I went to bed early last night.
昨日の夜、変な夢を見た。
Last night I had a strange dream.
Did you sleep well last night?
昨夜のパーティーは楽しかったです。
Last night's party was fun.
Casual and conversational way to say 'last night'. Literally 'yesterday's night'. Very common in everyday speech.
昨日の夜、何を食べた？
What did you eat last night?
昨日の夜はすごく寒かったね。
It was really cold last night, wasn't it?
More formal than 昨夜, often used in written language or polite speech. Emphasizes the evening period.
昨晩はお世話になりました。
Thank you for your hospitality last night.
Colloquial and slightly old-fashioned word for 'last night'. Often used in storytelling or casual reminiscing. Can also mean 'evening' in some contexts.
ゆうべは遅くまで起きていた。
I stayed up late last night.