matulog
/maˈtuloɡ/
To sleep in Tagalog is to say matulog.
The verb matulog is used to describe the act of resting in a state of reduced consciousness. If you want to say that someone is already asleep, you use the adjective tulog combined with the particle na to form tulog na.
Meaning: to rest in state of reduced consciousness (verb)
Which one should you use?
While matulog is the verb meaning to sleep, tulog functions as a noun representing the state of consciousness or as an adjective describing the state of being asleep. Additionally, the word muta refers to the substance found in the corner of the eyes, which can sometimes be a figurative objectification of sleep.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes its form based on the aspect of the action: natulog is the completed aspect (past tense), natutulog is the progressive aspect (present continuous) and matutulog is the contemplative aspect (future tense).
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈtuloɡ/
Did you know?
- In some Filipino contexts, calling someone tulog can be a playful or critical way to say they are oblivious or lacking awareness of their surroundings.
- The word matulog is related to hundreds of other languages across the Pacific and Southeast Asia through the ancient root *tuduR.
- While matulog is the general term for sleep, Tagalog uses the specific word idlip to describe a light nap or a brief doze.
Examples in context
- Dapat matulog ka na.You should sleep.This sentence is useful for expressing a recommendation using matulog.Tatoeba #4560295 by kanlaon, translation #1311 by CK
- Kailangan ko nang matulog.I have to go to sleep.This sentence shows how to express a necessity to sleep using matulog.Tatoeba #4680506 by saluyot, translation #1277 by vinhan
- Puwede kang matulog sa sopa.You can sleep on the couch.This sentence demonstrates expressing permission to sleep using matulog.Tatoeba #11273347 by qwertzu, translation #2185158 by Hybrid
- Kailangan kong matulog ng walong oras.I need to sleep for eight hours.
- Konting minuto lang ako nakatulog.I only slept for a few minutes.
- Huwag kang matulog nang may kasalanan.Don't go to sleep with guilt.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jasmine and Ricardo are at home late at night.
- JasmineGusto mo na bang matulog?Do you want to sleep now?
- RicardoOo, inaantok na ako.Yes, I am sleepy already.
- JasmineSige, matulog ka na, Ricardo.Okay, go to sleep now, Ricardo.
- RicardoSalamat, Jasmine. Magandang gabi.Thanks, Jasmine. Good night.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sleep” translations and entries matulog, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries matulog, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
