Translation guide
The state or act of being asleep. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the verb 寝る (neru) or the te-form 寝ている (nete iru) for the ongoing state. The choice depends on whether you are talking about the action of going to sleep, the state of being asleep, or related concepts like falling asleep or being sleepy.
Describing someone who is currently sleeping.
The te-iru form of 寝る (neru, to sleep) indicates the ongoing state of being asleep. This is the most natural way to say 'is sleeping'.
The baby is sleeping.
He is still sleeping.
眠る (nemuru) also means 'to sleep', and 眠っている emphasizes the state of being asleep, often with a nuance of deep or peaceful sleep. Slightly more literary than 寝ている.
The children are sleeping soundly.
A formal, written term meaning 'during sleep' or 'while sleeping'. Used in signs, announcements, or formal contexts.
Please be quiet while people are sleeping.
Describing the transition from awake to asleep.
The basic verb for 'to sleep' or 'to go to bed'. In non-past form, it often means 'will sleep' or 'go to sleep'.
Using 'sleeping' as a gerund or noun.
The standard noun for 'sleep'. Used in medical, scientific, and everyday contexts.
Describing something used for or related to sleeping.
Pattern meaning 'for sleep use'. 睡眠用 (suimin-you) is a common prefix for items like sleeping bags or sleeping pills.
sleeping pill
Using 'sleeping with' to mean having sex.
Just like English, 寝る can be a euphemism for having sex, especially with と (with). Context makes it clear.
Can be ambiguous; use only when context is clear.
寝る (neru) is the general verb for 'to sleep' or 'to lie down to sleep'. It focuses on the physical act of going to bed or being in a sleeping posture. 眠る (nemuru) is more about the state of being asleep, often implying a deeper, natural sleep. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 寝る is more common in daily speech.
The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
もう寝るね。
I'm going to sleep now.
Go to sleep early.
Can also mean 'to fall asleep', often implying a natural drifting off. 眠りにつく is a common phrase.
He fell asleep quickly.
Specifically means 'to fall asleep', emphasizing the moment of falling asleep. Often used when it takes time or difficulty.
I couldn't fall asleep for a long time.
A slightly poetic or formal way to say 'fall asleep'.
Quietly fell asleep.
Adequate sleep is necessary.
I'm tired from lack of sleep.
The noun form of 眠る, often used in more literary or emotional contexts, or in set phrases.
Fall into a deep sleep.
The noun form of 寝る, used in compounds like 寝不足 (lack of sleep) or 寝言 (sleep talking). Rarely used alone.
I'm sleep-deprived.
睡眠用のマスク
sleep mask
The stem 寝 (ne) can combine with nouns to form compounds like 寝袋 (sleeping bag) or 寝酒 (nightcap drink).
sleeping bag
I slept with him.
A more explicit phrase meaning 'to have sexual relations'. Less ambiguous than 寝る.
I had sex with her.
I was able to sleep well last night. (focus on the quality of sleep)
English uses 'sleeping' as an adjective (sleeping bag, sleeping pill), but Japanese does not use 寝る directly as an adjective. Instead, use compounds like 寝袋 (nebukuro) or 睡眠用 (suimin-you).
I have trouble sleeping.