Entry
すやすや
suyasuya
すやすや (suyasuya) describes the appearance of someone or something sleeping very peacefully and soundly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
すやすや (suyasuya) is a Japanese onomatopoeia that depicts the gentle, quiet, and undisturbed manner of sleep, often evoking an image of tranquility. It is typically used for babies, children, or pets, emphasizing their peaceful state.
- Describes tranquil and undisturbed sleep.
- Often used for infants, children, and animals.
- Conveys a sense of peace and comfort.
Sense Map
Peaceful Appearance of Sleep
Describes the visual state of a person or animal sleeping calmly and comfortably, without any disturbance.
赤ちゃんがすやすや眠る
Undisturbed Deep Sleep
Conveys the condition of being in a deep, sound sleep, where one is completely at rest and unaffected by surroundings.
子犬がすやすや寝ている
Usage Note
How to Use
すやすや + verb (e.g., 眠る, 寝る)
This is the most common usage, directly modifying a verb like 眠る (to sleep) or 寝る (to lie down/sleep) to describe the peaceful manner of sleeping.
すやすやと + verb (e.g., 眠る, 寝る)
Adding the particle と (to) further emphasizes the manner or state, making the description of peaceful sleep slightly more formal or literary.
How to Use
Common Phrases
すやすや眠る
to sleep peacefully/soundly
すやすや寝る
to sleep peacefully/soundly
赤ちゃんがすやすや
baby sleeping peacefully
子どもがすやすや
child sleeping soundly
すやすや寝息
peaceful sleeping breath
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing babies/children/pets sleeping | Positive/Neutral | Conveys innocence, cuteness, and ideal, undisturbed rest. |
| Describing adults sleeping | Neutral | Less common than for children/pets, but still implies a very peaceful and comfortable, often innocent-looking, sleep. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐっすり ぐっすり / similar | Use ぐっすり to emphasize deep, uninterrupted, and complete sleep, suggesting a refreshing rest. | Not the same as すやすや, which focuses on the peaceful and gentle *appearance* of sleep. | ぐっすり眠る |
のんびり のんびり / similar | Use のんびり to describe taking it easy, being relaxed, or spending time at leisure, not exclusively related to sleep. | すやすや specifically describes the state of peaceful sleep, while のんびり refers to a relaxed state more generally. | のんびり過ごす |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using すやすや for any deep sleep.
While it implies deep sleep, すやすや specifically highlights the peaceful and tranquil *appearance*. For just 'deep sleep,' ぐっすり is often more direct.
Applying すやすや to active or noisy situations.
すやすや inherently suggests quietness and calmness. It is not used for sleep amidst commotion or restlessness.
Examples
Examples
赤ちゃんがベッドですやすや眠っている。
あかちゃんがベッドですやすやねむっている。
A baby is sleeping peacefully in bed.
LiteralDescribes a baby's tranquil and peaceful sleep.
疲れた犬がソファですやすやと眠っていた。
つかれたいぬがソファですやすやとねむっていた。
The tired dog was sleeping soundly on the sofa.
LiteralIllustrates a dog sleeping very calmly and quietly.
小さな猫が日差しの中でですやすや眠る姿は、とても癒やされる。
ちいさなねこがひざしのなかでですやすやねむるすがたは、とてもいやされる。
The sight of the small cat sleeping peacefully in the sun is very soothing.
VisualEmphasizes the visual aspect of tranquil and comfortable sleep.
仕事の疲れも忘れ、彼はすやすやと寝息を立てていた。
しごとのつかれもわすれ、かれはすやすやとねいきをたてていた。
Forgetting the fatigue from work, he was breathing peacefully in his sleep.
LiteralDescribes someone sleeping with a regular and peaceful breathing.
平和な夜、みんながすやすやと眠りについた。
へいわなよる、みんながすやすやとねむりについた。
On a peaceful night, everyone fell into a sound sleep.
LiteralGenerally describes a state of tranquil and peaceful sleep.
Similar Words
ぐっすり
gussuri
To sleep soundly and deeply without waking up easily. Both describe deep sleep, but すやすや focuses on the peaceful and tranquil appearance, while ぐっすり emphasizes the depth and completeness of sleep.
グースカ
guusuka
グースカ describes the state of sleeping deeply and soundly, often accompanied by heavy breathing or loud snoring.
のんびり
nonbiri
A relaxed and peaceful state of being free from rush or mental pressure. のんびり describes a relaxed and leisurely state generally, whereas すやすや specifically refers to peaceful sleep.
おちおち
ochiochi
A state of calm or peace, almost always used in the negative to express the inability to do something peacefully.
Questions
What is the main difference between すやすや and ぐっすり?
すやすや describes the peaceful *appearance* of sleep, often with a gentle breathing. ぐっすり emphasizes the *depth* and *completeness* of sleep, implying a refreshing rest.
Can すやすや be used for adults?
Yes, but it's more commonly used for babies, children, and pets. When used for adults, it often highlights a particularly peaceful, innocent, or deeply undisturbed sleep.
Is すやすや a giongo (sound mimetic word) or a gitaigo (state mimetic word)?
すやすや is a gitaigo, meaning it describes a state or manner – specifically, the peaceful state of sleep – rather than directly imitating a sound.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006230
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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