kulala
/kuˈlɑ.lɑ/
To sleep in Swahili is kulala.
The verb kulala is used to describe the act of resting in a state of reduced consciousness. Related to this is ndoto, which means dream and kitanda, which means bed.
Meaning: to rest in state of reduced consciousness (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use the verb kulala when you want to express the action of sleeping. If you want to refer to the noun meaning 'sleep' or 'sleepiness', use usingizi.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes depending on the tense and person. For the present tense third person singular (he/she sleeps), use analala. To describe a state of being currently asleep or having already slept, use the perfect tense form amelala. If you are giving a command such as 'sleep!', use the imperative form lala.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables with the stress on the second syllable: /kuˈlɑ.lɑ/.
Did you know?
- The verb kulala does not just mean 'to sleep', but also 'to lie down'. In many contexts, the act of reclining is linguistically identical to the act of sleeping.
- The phrase lala salama is the standard way to say 'goodnight'. It literally translates to 'sleep peacefully' rather than referencing the 'night' itself.
- The word ndoto is used for both the subconscious images experienced during kulala and the conscious aspirations a person has for their life.
Examples in context
- Kuhesabu kondoo hukusaidia kulala.Counting sheep helps you to fall sleep.This sentence shows how to use kulala when talking about falling asleep.Tatoeba #10891427 by ecorralest101, translation #6929344 by Eccles17
- Nyakati za ugonjwa, kulala sana ni tiba bora.At times of poor health, getting plenty of sleep is the best medicine.This sentence shows how to use kulala in the context of sleep being medicine.Tatoeba #10835922 by ecorralest101, translation #1016618 by alphafour
- Kuandika ni kulala usingizi mzito kuliko kifo.Writing is a deeper sleep than death.This sentence uses kulala in a metaphorical comparison.Tatoeba #10835820 by ecorralest101, translation #975244 by sacredceltic
- Napenda kulala masaa nane kila usiku.I like to sleep for eight hours every night.
- Kabla ya kulala, ninapenda kusoma kitabu kidogo ili nipate usingizi mzuri.Before sleeping, I like to read a little book to have a good night's sleep.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A tired man and woman are talking at home in the evening.
- SaidNimechoka sana, nataka kulala.I am very tired, I want to sleep.
- AishaHaya, nenda kulala sasa.Okay, go to sleep now.
- SaidAsante, Aisha. Usiku mwema.Thanks, Aisha. Good night.
- AishaUsiku mwema pia, Said.Good night to you too, Said.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kulala, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
