اذهب إلى النوم
idhhab ila al-nawm
The English phrase "go to sleep" is translated into Arabic as اذهب إلى النوم (idhhab ila al-nawm).
This phrase is used to tell someone to go to bed in order to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb idhhab (go), the preposition ila (to) and the noun al-nawm (the sleep).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While اذهب إلى النوم is a standard way to express the command, the single verb نام is more commonly used in many spoken dialects and simpler Modern Standard Arabic to mean the same thing. For a more polite or formal way to say "(Please) go to sleep", you can use تفضل بالنوم.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on whom you are addressing. Use اذهبي إلى النوم (idhhabī ila al-nawm) when addressing a female, and use اذهبوا إلى النوم (idhhabū ila al-nawm) when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
idhhab ila al-nawm
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, instead of telling someone to 'go to sleep', people often say تصبح على خير (tushaṣbiḥ ‘alā khayr), which literally means 'may you wake up to goodness'.
- In some Arabic dialects, telling someone to 'go to sleep' using a specific idiom can imply that the person is talking nonsense and should stop speaking.
- The word for sleep النوم shares a root with words related to 'forgetfulness' and 'negligence' in some classical contexts, linking the state of sleep to a lack of awareness.
Example conversation
A couple is talking in their living room late at night.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا متعب جداً، أريد أن اذهب إلى النوم.Ana mut'ab jiddan, uridu an adhhaba ila al-nawm.I am very tired, I want to go to sleep.
- ليلى Laylaحسناً يا أحمد، تصبح على خير.Hasanan ya Ahmad, tusbih 'ala khayr.Okay Ahmad, good night.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً لكِ يا ليلى.Shukran laki ya Layla.Thank you, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaأحلام سعيدة.Ahlam sa'ida.Sweet dreams.
