expression, godan verb (-u)
check if someone is asleep; listen for sleeping breath
Used when you quietly listen or observe to confirm that a person is truly asleep, often before doing something you don't want them to notice.
親が寝息をうかがってから、こっそり家を抜け出した。
After making sure my parents were asleep, I sneaked out of the house.
赤ちゃんの寝息をうかがっ
I listened to the baby's breathing to make sure she was asleep, then gently covered her with a blanket.
expression, godan verb (-u)
do something bad while someone sleeps
Refers to taking advantage of a person's sleep to commit a misdeed, such as stealing or sneaking around. Often used in narrative or cautionary contexts.
泥棒は住人の寝息をうかがって金品を盗んだ。
The burglar made sure the resident was asleep and then stole valuables.