sans sommeil
The English phrase "no sleep" can be translated into French as sans sommeil.
The phrase sans sommeil describes the state of being without sleep. Depending on the context, other phrases may be more appropriate: Absence de sommeil refers to the absence of sleep, while Manque de sommeil refers to a lack of sleep. To describe an all-nighter or a night spent without sleeping, the informal phrase Nuit blanche is used.
Which one should you use?
If you are speaking in a formal or scientific setting, you should use Absence de sommeil. For a general way to express a lack of sleep that works in both formal and informal contexts, use Manque de sommeil. For the specific act of staying up all night, use the informal Nuit blanche.
Did you know?
- In many French cities, a Nuit Blanche is an annual official arts festival where museums and galleries stay open all night for the public.
- The word sommeil is a diminutive form of the Latin word for sleep, thanks to the suffix '-culus' in its original Vulgar Latin form.
- While sans sommeil means 'without sleep', French speakers often use the phrase je n'ai pas fermé l'œil de la nuit to say they did not close an eye all night.
Examples in context
- J'ai étudié toute la nuit, donc pas de sommeil pour moi.I studied all night, so no sleep for me.
- L'absence de sommeil peut avoir de graves conséquences sur la santé.The absence of sleep can have serious consequences on health.
- Le manque de sommeil peut affecter négativement la concentration.Lack of sleep can negatively affect concentration.
- On a fait la fête toute la nuit, j'ai pas dormi.We partied all night, I didn't sleep.
- J'ai passé une nuit blanche à terminer mon projet.I pulled an all-nighter to finish my project.
- Il est difficile de vivre sans sommeil.It is difficult to live without sleep.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are talking at the office on Monday morning.
- ChloéTu as l'air fatigué, Hugo.You look tired, Hugo.
- HugoOui, je suis sans sommeil depuis hier.Yes, I've been without sleep since yesterday.
- ChloéC'est terrible pour le travail.That's terrible for work.
- HugoJe vais boire un grand café.I'm going to drink a large coffee.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sans, sommeil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
