Translation guide
How to express 'lie flat' in Japanese, covering physical positions, objects being flat, and the modern lifestyle concept.
Describing a person or animal lying flat on a surface, such as a bed, floor, or ground.
General term for lying down, not necessarily flat on one's back. Commonly used for resting or sleeping.
ちょっと横になりたい。
I want to lie down for a bit.
Describing an object lying flat on a surface, such as paper, a book, or a device.
To place something flat. Often used for objects like books or boxes.
本を机に平らに置いてください。
Please lay the book flat on the desk.
The modern 'lying flat' movement, rejecting societal pressure to overwork and instead opting for a minimalist, low-effort life.
Direct translation of 'lying flat-ism', used in media to describe the Chinese social phenomenon. Recognizable among younger Japanese.
中国の若者の間で寝そべり主義が広がっている。
The 'lying flat' movement is spreading among young people in China.
To lie down casually, often on the floor or ground, implying relaxation or laziness.
芝生に寝転んで空を見た。
I lay flat on the grass and looked at the sky.
Specifically to lie flat on one's back, face up.
仰向けになって深呼吸した。
I lay flat on my back and took deep breaths.
To lie flat on one's stomach, face down.
うつ伏せになって本を読んだ。
I lay flat on my stomach and read a book.
To lie flat with arms and legs spread out, like the character 大. Conveys a relaxed, sprawling posture.
疲れてベッドに大の字になった。
Exhausted, I lay flat on the bed with my limbs spread out.
To lay something down flat, often used for long objects like bottles or umbrellas.
傘を寝かせて置いた。
I laid the umbrella flat.
To lay something flat by knocking it over or tilting it from an upright position.
自転車を倒して置いた。
I laid the bicycle flat on the ground.
Verb meaning to lie around lazily. Used in the context of the movement to describe the act of 'lying flat'.
彼は出世を諦めて寝そべることにした。
He gave up on career advancement and decided to lie flat.
Sometimes the English phrase 'ライフラット' (lie flat) is used directly in Japanese media, but it's not widely established.
ライフラットという生き方が話題だ。
The lifestyle called 'lie flat' is a hot topic.