居眠り

• Reading: いねむり
• Romaji: inemuri
• Kanji breakdown: 居 (i) — sit, be present; 眠 (nemu) — sleep
• Pronunciation: /i.ne.mɯ.ɾi/

Meaning

Dozing; nodding off. Falling asleep unintentionally while sitting or in a non-sleeping setting.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (居眠りする). Specifically refers to falling asleep in a place where you should be awake — in class, at work, on the train. Distinct from 昼寝 (intentional nap). 居眠り運転 (drowsy driving) is a serious safety term. Culturally, dozing on trains is widely accepted in Japan.

Examples

1. 授業中に居眠りをして先生に注意された。 I dozed off in class and got called out by the teacher.
2. 電車の中で居眠りしている人が多い。 There are a lot of people dozing on the train.
3. 居眠り運転は絶対にしてはいけない。 You must never fall asleep at the wheel.

Usage Guide

Context: school, commuting, work

Tone: casual

Origin & History

Compound of 居 (i, to sit/be present) and 眠り (nemuri, sleep). Literally 'sitting-sleep' — sleeping while in a seated or present position, not in bed.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal