Translation of Japanese word "眠い" to English
眠い
ねむい
[nemui]
IPA: /nemui/
Meaning
AdjectiveTired; feeling the need for sleep.
How to use
眠い (nemui) — 'sleepy / drowsy'. 眠そう (nemusou) — looking sleepy. 眠る (nemuru) — to sleep (verb). Japanese adjectives inflect directly for tense and negation, functioning similarly to verbs in some ways.
🇬🇧 English
sleepy
Pronunciation Guide
Japanese Kanji: 眠い
Phonetic Reading (Hiragana): ねむい
Romaji Transcription: nemui
Example Sentences
私は眠いので、早く寝たい。
わたしはねむいので、はやくねたい。
I'm sleepy, so I want to go to bed early.
彼女は眠いので、休みます。
かのじょはねむいので、やすみます。
She's sleepy, so she's taking a break.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- 眠くなる— to get sleepy
Frequency rank: #876 in Japanese
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common Japanese words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Japanese word "眠い" mean?▼
The Japanese word "眠い" means "sleepy" in English.
How do you pronounce the Japanese word "眠い"?▼
The word "眠い" is read as "ねむい" (nemui). You can hear the correct audio pronunciation by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see a usage guide or example with "眠い"?▼
Yes, here is a practical context/example: "私は眠いので、早く寝たい。".
More Adjectives words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →