JLPT N4・N5 Vocabulary – Difference between “寝る” and “眠る”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “寝る” and “眠る”
2. 寝る VS 眠る①
3. 寝る VS 眠る②
4. Expressions Using “眠る”
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “寝る” and “眠る“?
A: Both “寝る” and “眠る” refer to the act of sleeping, but there is a difference in usage. “寝る” includes the action of lying down, while “眠る” refers to an unconscious state of sleep.
寝る VS 眠る①
“寝る” and “眠る” are often used with the same meaning in everyday conversation, but in fact, there is a nuance difference between them.
Generally speaking, “寝る” refers to lying down and resting, while “眠る” refers to entering an unconscious state of sleep.
For example, in the following sentences, both words can be used naturally:
[Examples]
子供が気持ちよさそうに寝ています。
子供が気持ちよさそうに眠っています。
The child is sleeping peacefully.
However, in some situations, you need to choose the appropriate word.
“寝る” includes not only lying down but also the conscious actions before sleeping, such as getting into bed or turning off the lights. So it is more suitable in the following expressions:
[Examples]
〇「もう11時よ、早く寝なさい。」
“It’s already 11 o’clock — go to bed now.”
×「もう11時よ、早く眠りなさい。」
今日は10時には寝ようと思っていたのに、もう12時だ。
I was planning to go to bed by 10 today, but it’s already 12.
On the other hand, “眠る” expresses the idea of falling asleep unconsciously, regardless of body position. You can use it even if the person is sitting or standing.
[Examples]
本を読んでいたら、知らないうちに眠っていました。
I was reading a book, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
母は座ったまま眠っています。
My mother is sleeping while sitting.
寝る VS 眠る②
“寝る” focuses on the act of lying down and doesn’t necessarily mean the person is asleep.
Even just lying down without sleeping can be described using “寝る.”
[Example]
寝ながらお菓子を食べていたら、母に怒られました。
I was eating snacks while lying down, and my mother got angry at me.
⇒ This doesn’t mean I was asleep, but simply that I was lying down while eating snacks.
On the other hand, “眠る” cannot be used in this way.
It refers to a state where the eyes are closed and all conscious activity has stopped—that is, actually being asleep.
[Examples]
赤ちゃんが気持ちよさそうに眠っています。
The baby is sleeping peacefully.
昨日はぐっすり眠ったから、今日は体調がいいです。
I slept very well yesterday, so I feel great today.
Expressions Using “眠る”
In addition to referring to sleep, “眠る” is also used metaphorically in Japanese.
[Metaphorical use: things lying unused = not used for a long time]
It can describe something that has not been used for a long time and remains quietly in existence.
[Examples]
地下にはたくさんの資源が眠っているらしい。
It seems that many resources are lying dormant underground.
倉庫に眠っていた本を久しぶりに読みました。
I read a book that had been sitting unused in storage for a long time.
⇒ Both sentences express the idea of something that has not been used by anyone for a long time.
[To die / To rest in peace]
“眠る” can also be used as a gentle way to refer to death or eternal rest.
[Examples]
母は永遠の眠りにつきました。
My mother entered her eternal sleep.
祖父は最後に「ありがとう」と言って眠りにつきました。
My grandfather said “Thank you” at the end and passed away peacefully.
⇒ “眠りにつく” is a set expression that means “to pass away.”
Summary
| Awareness | Meaning | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 寝る | Conscious | Lying down / resting while lying down Conscious actions before falling asleep | Can be used even if not actually sleeping, as long as the body is in a lying position |
| 眠る | Unconscious | Describes a state where all conscious activity has stopped with eyes closed (posture doesn’t matter) | Can also describe things that haven’t been used for a long time |
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