Translation guide
How to express the act of going to bed in Japanese, from casual to formal, including related phrases for sleep and bedtime routines.
Expressing the action of going to bed with the intention of sleeping.
The most common and neutral way to say 'go to bed' or 'sleep'. Can be used in casual and polite forms.
I'm going to bed now.
昨日は早く寝ました。
I went to bed early yesterday.
A slightly more formal or literary expression meaning 'to go to bed' or 'retire for the night'.
彼は毎晩10時に床につく。
He goes to bed at 10 every night.
A formal term for 'going to bed' or 'retiring', often used in official contexts or announcements.
消灯時間ですので、ご就寝ください。
Lights out, so please go to bed.
Physically getting into a futon or bed, not necessarily sleeping immediately.
Specifically means 'to get into the futon/bedding'. Common in Japanese culture where futons are laid out.
寒いから早く布団に入りたい。
It's cold, so I want to get into bed soon.
Means 'to get into bed' (Western-style bed). Used similarly to 布団に入る.
疲れたからベッドに入ろう。
I'm tired, so let's get into bed.
Focusing on the transition to sleep, often used in set phrases.
A poetic or literary way to say 'fall asleep' or 'go to sleep'.
子供たちはすぐに眠りについた。
The children soon fell asleep.
Means 'to fall asleep', often used when it takes time or for babies.
赤ちゃんがやっと寝付いた。
The baby finally fell asleep.
The routine or actions before going to bed.
Means 'to get ready for bed', including changing clothes, brushing teeth, etc.
寝る支度をしてから、本を読む。
I read a book after getting ready for bed.
Similar to 寝る支度をする, meaning 'to prepare for bed'.
寝る準備はできた？
Are you ready for bed?
寝る is the everyday word for 'go to bed/sleep'. 床につく is slightly formal and often used in writing. 就寝する is very formal and used in announcements or instructions.
In Japan, futons are laid on the floor and put away in the morning. 布団に入る specifically means getting into the futon, which is a common part of the bedtime routine.