स्वपिति
svapiti/sʋɐ́.pi.ti/
To sleep in Sanskrit is to say स्वपिति (svapiti). Wiktionary also lists सस्ति (sasti) and निद्राति (nidrāti).
Meaning: to rest in state of reduced consciousness (verb)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| स्वपिति | svapiti | /sʋɐ́.pi.ti/ (Vedic) /s̪ʋɐ.pi.t̪i/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
| सस्ति | sasti | /sɐ́s.ti/ (Vedic) /s̪ɐs̪.t̪i/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
| निद्राति | nidrāti | |
| द्रायति | drāyati | /dɾɑ́ː.jɐ.ti/ (Vedic) /d̪ɾɑː.jɐ.t̪i/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
| प्रस्वपिति | prasvapiti |
These verbs are used to describe the act of resting in a state of reduced consciousness. While the various verb forms describe the action of sleeping, the related noun निद्रा is the most common way to refer to 'sleep' as a concept or a noun.
Which one should you use?
The verb स्वपिति is the standard way to express the action of sleeping, whereas the related noun निद्रा refers to the state of sleep itself.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form स्वपिति is the third-person singular present indicative form. In many Vedic or specific grammatical contexts, the 'i' may be dropped to form स्वपति.
How do you pronounce it?
The word svapiti is pronounced /sʋɐ́.pi.ti/. It has 3 syllables.
When do people say it?
When wishing someone a good night, you can use the phrase शुभरात्रि। (Śubharātri.).
Did you know?
- In classical Sanskrit literature, निद्रा is not merely a biological process but is personified as a powerful goddess. This goddess is depicted as an unstoppable force capable of conquering even the most disciplined sages and mighty warriors.
- The verb द्रायति shares an ancient root with the Latin 'dormiō'. This makes the Sanskrit word for sleeping a distant relative of the English word 'dormitory', which is a place designed for sleeping.
- The Sanskrit term for sleep is closely linked to the concept of meditation. While ordinary sleep निद्रा is seen as a state of unconsciousness, there is a special meditative state called yoga-nidrā which combines deep rest with heightened spiritual awareness.
Examples in context
- सुस्वप्नं प्राप्नोति। (Susvapnaṃ prāpnoti.)He/She enjoys a good sleep.
- बालः स्वपिति।bālaḥ svapiti.The boy sleeps.
- शिशुः स्वपिति।śiśuḥ svapiti.The baby is sleeping.
- कः स्वपिति?kaḥ svapiti?Who is sleeping?
Example conversation
Ananya and Aditya are talking about a tired sibling.
- अनन्या Ananyaआदित्य, भ्राता कुत्र अस्ति?āditya, bhrātā kutra asti?Aditya, where is your brother?
- आदित्य Adityaसः अतीव श्रान्तः अस्ति।saḥ atīva śrāntaḥ asti.He is very tired.
- अनन्या Ananyaकिं सः इदानीं स्वपिति?kiṃ saḥ idānīṃ svapiti?Is he sleeping now?
- आदित्य Adityaआम्, सः स्वपिति।ām, saḥ svapiti.Yes, he is sleeping.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sleep” translations and entries स्वपिति, सस्ति, द्रायति, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries द्रायति, सस्ति, स्वपिति, CC BY-SA 4.0.
