sùn
The Yoruba verb for "sleep" is sùn.
The verb sùn is used to describe the act of resting in a state of reduced consciousness.
Meaning: to rest in state of reduced consciousness (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate an ongoing action, such as "he/she is sleeping", the continuous aspect is formed by adding the marker ń to the verb, resulting in ó ń sùn. To command someone not to sleep, use the negative imperative by placing má before the verb, as in má sùn.
Did you know?
- The word sùn can also mean 'to move closer' or 'to slide', depending on the context and tone, as it describes a physical shifting of position.
- In some traditional settings, describing someone as 'sleeping' can be a euphemism used to avoid speaking directly about death.
- In traditional Yoruba beliefs, dreams occurring during sùn are seen as a vital communication bridge between the living and the ancestors, making the act of sleeping a spiritual activity.
Examples in context
- Mo fẹ́ sùn.I want to sleep.
- Ọmọ náà ti sùn.The baby is already sleeping.
- Ṣé o ti sùn?Did you sleep?
Example conversation
Yejide and Tunde are talking in the living room late at night.
- YejideTundé, àpùjè dá, à sùn.Tunde, it is late, go to sleep.
- TundeMi o láti sùn rè.I don't want to sleep yet.
- YejideO máa rè nísè látè.You will be tired tomorrow.
- TundeO tùá, à má sùn.You are right, I will sleep.
