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.
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.
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'.
I got into bed but couldn't fall asleep for a while.
I usually go to sleep around 11 p.m.
The baby is sleeping.
I couldn't sleep well last night.
子供がやっと寝付いた。
The child finally fell asleep.
It's late, so go to sleep.
Casual request. The て-form of 寝る, used among family or close friends.
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.
You have an early day tomorrow, so good night (go to sleep).
Rough imperative form. Very direct and masculine. Can sound harsh.
Shut up! Go to sleep!
Yesterday I fell asleep while studying.
To doze off, nap unintentionally (often sitting up). A bit more literary or descriptive.
I dozed off on the sofa.
To fall asleep when you should be awake (e.g., in class, at work). 'Nodding off'.
I nodded off during the meeting.
Literary/formal expression for 'go to bed'. Often used in writing or polite speech.
He went to bed early.
Literally 'get into the futon/bed'. The most natural way to describe the action of getting under the covers.
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.
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.
I have to put the kids to bed early.
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.
The baby finally went to sleep.