Translation and Meaning of: 居眠り - inemuri

If you have ever studied Japanese or watched an anime, you have probably come across the word 居眠り (いねむり). It describes that moment when someone dozes off or falls asleep unintentionally, especially in unusual situations—like during a class or on a crowded train. But what is behind this term? In this article, you will discover the etymology, the pictogram of the kanjis, and how the Japanese use this expression in their daily lives. Additionally, we have gathered tips for memorization and even a curious fact about how Japanese culture perceives these "slips" of sleep. Here at Suki Nihongo, you'll also find ready-made phrases to include in Anki and boost your studies!

Etymology and Kanji: What does 居眠り really mean?

The word 居眠り is composed of two kanji: 居 (い), which refers to "being present" or "staying in a place," and 眠り (ねむり), which means "sleep." Together, they depict the classic scene of someone who "stays in place and sleeps" — often involuntarily. Unlike the verb 寝る (ねる, "to sleep"), which indicates an intentional action, 居眠り carries a nuance of distraction or extreme fatigue.

An interesting detail is that the kanji 居 also appears in words like 居酒屋 (いざかや, "izakaya"), reinforcing the idea of permanence. On the other hand, 眠 has a radical for "eyes" (目) combined with "people" (民), suggesting a poetic image of people closing their eyes to rest. It's no wonder that the Japanese associate 居眠り with moments of exhaustion — like that nap at work after lunch.

Everyday Lies: When do the Japanese talk about 居眠り?

In Japan, 居眠り is so common that it has even become a cultural phenomenon. Who hasn't seen a salaryman dozing off while standing in the subway? There, it is a sign that the person has worked hard — so much so that there is even a term for it: 居眠り運転 (いねむりうんてん), used when drivers fall asleep at the wheel due to excessive overtime. But be careful: if a teacher catches you 居眠り in class, be prepared to hear a loud 起きて！ (おきて!, "Wake up!").

Interestingly, some cafes in Tokyo offer spaces called 居眠りカフェ (いねむりカフェ), where customers can take a quick nap. And if you want to sound natural using the word, try the phrase: 授業中に居眠りしてしまった (じゅぎょうちゅうにいねむりしてしまった, "I ended up dozing off during class"). It works for both excuses and jokes among friends!

Tips for memorization and curiosities

To not forget the meaning of 居眠り, imagine the scene: you are in your 居 (place) and start to nod off, almost 眠 (sleeping). If you prefer an auditory trick, think of the sound "ine-muri" as someone grumbling "ugh, I don't want to sleep now...". Another strategy is to associate it with specific situations — like the famous "switching off" during a boring movie.

Did you know that there is an emoji that perfectly represents 居眠り? It's the 🥱 (yawn), often used in messages like "Today I almost dozed off in the meeting." And if you search on Google, you'll find related like 居眠り防止 (いねむりぼうし, "how to avoid dozing off") and 居眠り名人 (いねむりめいじん, "master of sleeping anywhere"). It is said that even Emperor Naruhito has been photographed 居眠り at official events — proof that even royalty is not exempt!