Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to say 'nap' depends on the context: a short daytime sleep is 昼寝 (hirune), while a quick power nap is often expressed with 仮眠 (kamin) or the loanword パワーナップ (pawā nappu). The verb 'to take a nap' is usually 昼寝をする (hirune o suru).
A brief sleep during the day, typically at home or in a relaxed setting.
The standard word for a nap, literally 'daytime sleep'. Used for a short sleep in the afternoon.
昼寝をしたらすっきりした。
I felt refreshed after taking a nap.
子供が昼寝をしている。
The child is taking a nap.
A doze or unintentional nap, often while sitting or lying down without planning to sleep.
ソファでうたた寝してしまった。
I dozed off on the sofa.
A literary or formal term for an afternoon nap, rarely used in daily conversation.
午睡を楽しむ。
To enjoy an afternoon nap.
A brief, intentional sleep to restore energy, often in a work or study context.
A short sleep or nap, often used for a quick rest during work or travel. More formal than 昼寝.
運転の前に仮眠をとった。
I took a nap before driving.
仮眠室で少し休んだ。
I rested a bit in the nap room.
Loanword from English 'power nap', commonly understood in business or productivity contexts.
パワーナップをとると集中力が上がる。
Taking a power nap improves concentration.
Literally 'to have one sleep', a casual way to say 'take a nap' or 'get some shut-eye'.
ちょっと一眠りしよう。
Let's take a quick nap.
Referring to the custom of napping, such as siesta or inemuri.
Dozing off unintentionally, especially in public or at work/school. Often translated as 'nap' but implies falling asleep when one shouldn't.
会議中に居眠りしてしまった。
I dozed off during the meeting.
Loanword from Spanish 'siesta', used when specifically referring to the Spanish or Latin American custom.
昼寝 (hirune) is a planned daytime nap, usually at home. 仮眠 (kamin) is a short, intentional rest, often in a work or travel setting. 居眠り (inemuri) is dozing off unintentionally, often in public. Choose based on intentionality and setting.
Most nap-related nouns can be turned into verbs with する (suru) or をとる (o toru). For example: 昼寝をする (hirune o suru) or 仮眠をとる (kamin o toru). うたた寝する (utatane suru) is also common.
スペインではシエスタの習慣がある。
In Spain, there is a custom of taking a siesta.