Translation guide
The English word 'sleep' can refer to the state of sleeping, the act of going to sleep, or the substance in one's eyes after waking. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing the general concept of sleep as a noun or the act of sleeping.
The most common and neutral word for 'sleep' as a noun, used in both formal and informal contexts. It refers to the physiological state of sleep.
You need enough sleep.
A more poetic or literary word for 'sleep', often used in expressions about the quality or depth of sleep.
A colloquial noun form of the verb 寝る (to sleep), often used in compound words or casual speech.
I haven't had enough sleep.
The nominalized form of the verb 寝る (to sleep), literally 'the act of sleeping'. It is a very natural way to talk about sleeping as an activity.
I like sleeping.
Expressing the action of transitioning from wakefulness to sleep.
The most common verb for 'to sleep' or 'to go to bed'. It can mean both 'to lie down' and 'to fall asleep' depending on context.
Referring to the crusty or gooey substance that forms in the corners of the eyes during sleep.
Sleeping longer than intended, often resulting in being late.
Means 'to oversleep' or 'to sleep in' and miss something.
寝る (neru) focuses on the physical act of lying down or going to bed, while 眠る (nemuru) emphasizes 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 sitting up). In many everyday contexts, they are interchangeable.
I went to bed but couldn't fall asleep.
The loanword スリープ (surīpu) is mainly used in technical contexts like 'sleep mode' on devices. Using it for human sleep sounds unnatural.
Did you get enough sleep?
I have a headache from lack of sleep.
I fell into a deep sleep.
もう寝る時間だ。
It's time to sleep.
I couldn't sleep well last night.
Specifically means 'to fall asleep' or 'to be asleep'. It emphasizes the state of unconsciousness rather than the act of lying down.
The baby is sleeping peacefully.
A slightly literary expression meaning 'to fall asleep'.
He fell asleep quickly.
Means 'to fall asleep', often used when it takes time or when talking about children.
The child just won't fall asleep.
The standard word for 'sleep' in the sense of eye discharge.
When I woke up in the morning, I had sleep in my eyes.
A colloquial and somewhat vulgar term for eye discharge, similar to 'eye boogers'.
Get the sleep out of your eyes.
I overslept and was late for school.
A very common verb meaning 'to oversleep' or 'to sleep in'.
I overslept this morning and couldn't eat breakfast.
I couldn't sleep because of the noise.