Entry
うとうと
utouto
Falling into a light, involuntary doze while in a seated or semi-active state.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term captures the moment of slipping in and out of consciousness. It is most frequently used for situations where someone unintentionally falls asleep for a short period, such as on public transport, during a lecture, or while resting on a sofa.
- Falling asleep unintentionally for a short time.
- Being in a state of drowsiness where consciousness is intermittent.
Sense Map
Action and Result
The act of unintentionally dropping into sleep while sitting or standing.
電車でうとうとする
Body and Health
The drowsy physical state where one struggles to stay awake.
うとうとした状態
Usage Note
How to Use
うとうとする
The standard verb form meaning to doze off or nod off.
うとうとしている
Describes the ongoing state of being in a light doze.
うとうとした状態
A noun phrase referring to the drowsy, half-asleep condition.
うとうと（と）眠る
Describes the manner of sleeping lightly or fitfully.
How to Use
Common Phrases
うとうとする時間
Time spent dozing
うとうとと船を漕ぐ
To nod off with the head swaying (like rowing a boat)
会議中にうとうとする
To doze off during a meeting
昼食後にうとうとする
To doze off after lunch
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport | Neutral | A very common and culturally accepted sight in Japan. |
| Work or study | Slightly negative | Implies that the person is struggling to stay awake due to fatigue or boredom. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こっくり こっくり / similar | Use when you want to focus specifically on the physical motion of the head dropping down. | Utouto is more about the internal state of dozing, while kokkuri is primarily the visual action of nodding. | こっくりこっくりと居眠りをする。 |
うつらうつら うつらうつら / nearby | Use for a longer state of being half-asleep or drifting in and out of consciousness over time. | Utouto usually implies the initial moment or a single instance of dozing off, while utsurautsura suggests a more prolonged, hazy state. | 熱があって一日中うつらうつらしていた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for intentionally going to bed for a full night's sleep.
This is only for light, accidental naps or dozing while seated.
Confusing it with guu-guu (deep snoring sleep).
Utouto is silent and very shallow sleep.
Examples
Examples
電車の中でうとうとして、乗り過ごしそうになった。
でんしゃのなかでうとうとして、のりすごしそうになった。
I was dozing off on the train and almost missed my stop.
LiteralDescribes a very common occurrence in Japan.
昼ご飯を食べた後、ソファでうとうとした。
ひるごはんをたべたあと、そふぁでうとうとした。
I dozed off on the sofa after eating lunch.
LiteralDescribes a light afternoon nap.
難しい講義を聞きながら、うとうとしてしまった。
むずかしいこうぎをききながら、うとうとしてしまった。
I ended up dozing off while listening to a difficult lecture.
LiteralShows uncontrollable drowsiness due to boredom or fatigue.
窓際で暖かい日差しを浴びて、猫がうとうと眠っている。
まどぎわであたたかいひざしをあびて、ねこがうとうとねむっている。
By the window, a cat is dozing in the warm sunlight.
VisualOften used to describe a peaceful scene.
本を読んでいたが、いつの間にかうとうとしていた。
ほんをよんでいたが、いつのまにかうとうとしていた。
I was reading a book, but before I knew it, I was dozing off.
LiteralShows an unconscious transition into light sleep.
Similar Words
こっくり
kokkuri
Focuses on the nodding motion of the head when drowsy.
うつらうつら
utsurautsura
The state of drifting in and out of sleep or being half-awake. A state of drifting in and out of consciousness over a longer period.
とろとろ
torotoro
とろとろ describes a thick, syrupy, or melted texture, as well as a gentle simmer, a weak flame, dozing off, or moving sluggishly.
Questions
Can I use utouto for pets?
Yes, it is perfectly natural to describe a cat or dog dozing in the sun using this word.
What is the difference between utouto and inemuri?
Inemuri is the general noun for 'sleeping while on duty/present', whereas utouto describes the specific drowsy, nodding feeling.
Is it polite to use utouto about yourself in a meeting?
It is better to avoid it as it admits you were not paying attention, but among friends, it is fine.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1001030
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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