slaap
The Afrikaans verb for sleep is slaap.
slaap is used to describe the act of resting in a state of reduced consciousness. It functions as both a verb and a noun.
Meaning: to rest in state of reduced consciousness (verb)
Which one should you use?
The compound noun slaaptyd is used to refer to bedtime or the time one goes to sleep.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the perfect tense, use the past participle geslaap along with the auxiliary verb het.
Did you know?
- In Afrikaans, the phrase lekker slaap is the standard way to wish someone a good night. The word lekker literally means 'tasty' or 'delicious' but is used here to mean 'pleasant'.
- While slaap is the verb for sleep, the word slap (with a different vowel sound) means 'loose' or 'flabby', which can lead to confusion if you mispronounce the vowel.
- Afrikaans speakers use the phrase slaap soos 'n klip to describe someone who sleeps very deeply. It translates literally to 'sleep like a stone'.
Examples in context
- Ek sal nie vanaand kan slaap nie.I won't be able to sleep tonight.This sentence shows how to express an inability to sleep tonight using slaap.Tatoeba #2786717 by Diablofire, translation #2541042 by CK
- Sy vat die kinders om te gaan slaap.She is putting the children to sleep.This sentence demonstrates the use of slaap when putting children to sleep.Tatoeba #2364327 by siener, translation #12757717 by lingomaxim
- Ek't nêrens om vanaand te slaap nie.I've nowhere to sleep tonight.This sentence illustrates how to say there is nowhere to sleep tonight using slaap.Tatoeba #2458892 by siener, translation #2156121 by FeuDRenais2
- Ek moet vroeg slaap.I have to sleep early.
- Sy is gewoonlik baie lief vir slaap.She generally loves to sleep.
- Kom, my liefie, dit is slaapie-tyd nou.Come, my darling, it's time for your sleep now.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anika and Andries are talking in the living room late at night.
- AnikaGaan jy nou slaap, Andries?Are you going to sleep now, Andries?
- AndriesJa, ek is baie moeg.Yes, I am very tired.
- AnikaEk kan nie slaap nie.I cannot sleep.
- AndriesProbeer om 'n boek te lees.Try to read a book.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sleep” translations and entries slaap, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
