Translation guide
How to express the act of going to bed in Japanese, from casual to formal, including related phrases for sleep and bedtime routines.
Expressing the action of going to bed with the intention of sleeping.
The most common and neutral way to say 'go to bed' or 'sleep'. Can be used in casual and polite forms.
I'm going to bed now.
I went to bed early yesterday.
A slightly more formal or literary expression meaning 'to go to bed' or 'retire for the night'.
A formal term for 'going to bed' or 'retiring', often used in official contexts or announcements.
Lights out, so please go to bed.
Physically getting into a futon or bed, not necessarily sleeping immediately.
Specifically means 'to get into the futon/bedding'. Common in Japanese culture where futons are laid out.
Focusing on the transition to sleep, often used in set phrases.
A poetic or literary way to say 'fall asleep' or 'go to sleep'.
The routine or actions before going to bed.
Means 'to get ready for bed', including changing clothes, brushing teeth, etc.
寝る is the everyday word for 'go to bed/sleep'. 床につく is slightly formal and often used in writing. 就寝する is very formal and used in announcements or instructions.
In Japan, futons are laid on the floor and put away in the morning. 布団に入る specifically means getting into the futon, which is a common part of the bedtime routine.
彼は毎晩10時に床につく。
He goes to bed at 10 every night.
It's cold, so I want to get into bed soon.
Means 'to get into bed' (Western-style bed). Used similarly to 布団に入る.
I'm tired, so let's get into bed.
The children soon fell asleep.
Means 'to fall asleep', often used when it takes time or for babies.
The baby finally fell asleep.
I read a book after getting ready for bed.