Translation guide
How to express 'go to sleep' naturally in Japanese, from casual to formal, including falling asleep vs. going to bed.
The most common, neutral ways to say 'go to sleep' in everyday conversation.
The basic verb for 'sleep' or 'go to bed'. Covers both the act of sleeping and going to bed. Very common.
Means 'to fall asleep' or 'to sleep' (the state of being asleep). More about the unconscious state than the action of going to bed.
To fall asleep (especially after some effort or delay). Often used when someone finally drifts off.
How to tell someone to go to sleep, from gentle suggestions to firm commands.
A firm but common command, often used by parents to children. The imperative form of 寝る.
もう遅いから寝なさい。
It's late, so go to sleep.
Casual request. The て-form of 寝る, used among family or close friends.
Expressing that you fell asleep without meaning to, or dozed off.
Slang for falling asleep unintentionally, especially while doing something else (e.g., watching TV, studying). Very common online.
昨日、勉強中に寝落ちした。
Yesterday I fell asleep while studying.
Focusing on the physical act of going to bed, rather than sleeping itself.
How to say you are putting someone else to sleep.
寝る (neru) focuses on the action of going to bed or lying down to sleep. 眠る (nemuru) focuses on the state of being asleep. You can 寝る without 眠る (e.g., lying in bed awake), and you can 眠る without 寝る (e.g., falling asleep at your desk). In many everyday contexts, 寝る is the default for 'go to sleep'.
ベッドに入ったけど、なかなか眠れなかった。
I got into bed but couldn't fall asleep for a while.
English 'go to sleep' often implies the whole process of going to bed and falling asleep. Japanese often uses 寝る for this, but be aware that 寝る can also just mean 'lie down'. If you need to emphasize the transition to sleep, use 眠る or 寝付く.
普段は夜11時ごろに寝ます。
I usually go to sleep around 11 p.m.
赤ちゃんがやっと寝付きました。
The baby finally went to sleep.
The baby is sleeping.
昨夜はよく眠れなかった。
I couldn't sleep well last night.
The child finally fell asleep.
疲れたでしょ？寝て。
You're tired, right? Go to sleep.
Polite 'good night', often used when someone is going to bed. Can be a gentle command to go to sleep.
明日早いから、お休みなさい。
You have an early day tomorrow, so good night (go to sleep).
Rough imperative form. Very direct and masculine. Can sound harsh.
うるさい！寝ろ！
Shut up! Go to sleep!
To doze off, nap unintentionally (often sitting up). A bit more literary or descriptive.
ソファでうたた寝してしまった。
I dozed off on the sofa.
To fall asleep when you should be awake (e.g., in class, at work). 'Nodding off'.
会議中に居眠りしてしまった。
I nodded off during the meeting.
Literary/formal expression for 'go to bed'. Often used in writing or polite speech.
彼は早く床に就いた。
He went to bed early.
Literally 'get into the futon/bed'. The most natural way to describe the action of getting under the covers.
寒いから早く布団に入ろう。
It's cold, so let's get into bed early.
To put a child to sleep, soothe them to sleep. Very common in parenting contexts.
赤ちゃんを寝かしつけるのに時間がかかった。
It took a long time to put the baby to sleep.
Causative form of 寝る: to make/let someone sleep. Can be used for children or patients.
子供を早く寝かせないと。
I have to put the kids to bed early.