How to Say “Sleep” Verb in French

Bonjour! If you’re looking to learn how to say the verb “sleep” in French, you’re in the right place. Whether you want to express yourself formally or informally, I’ll guide you through the various ways to do so. Additionally, I’ll provide you with some helpful tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Sleep” Verb in French

When expressing the verb “sleep” formally in French, you can use the following phrases:

1. Dormir – This is the most common and neutral way to say “to sleep” in formal situations. For instance:
   

   “Je dors bien la nuit.” (I sleep well at night.)

2. Reposer – Although it means “to rest” in general, it can also convey the idea of sleeping in a formal context. Example:
   

   “Je dois me reposer davantage.” (I need to rest more.)

3. Etre au lit – Literally meaning “to be in bed,” this phrase is often used in more formal contexts to indicate sleeping. Example:
   

   “Il est déjà au lit.” (He is already in bed.)

Informal Ways to Say “Sleep” Verb in French

When speaking informally, you have several options to express the verb “sleep” in French:

1. Dodo – This is a cute and commonly used informal word for “sleep.” For example:
   

   “Je vais faire dodo.” (I’m going to sleep.)

2. Pioncer – This is a more colloquial term for “sleep” and is frequently used in spoken French. Example:
   

   “Ça fait du bien de pioncer.” (It feels good to sleep.)

3. Piquer un roupillon – This expression means “to take a nap” and is commonly employed in casual conversations. Example:
   

   “Je vais piquer un roupillon après le déjeuner.” (I’m going to take a nap after lunch.)

Some Tips and Regional Variations

Here are a few additional tips and regional variations related to the verb “sleep” in French:

• Regional Differences: While the aforementioned phrases are widely used across the French-speaking world, it’s worth mentioning some regional differences. For instance, in the Canadian province of Quebec, you might hear the informal term “pogner” instead of “pioncer.”
• Expressions with “Faire dodo”: In addition to using “dodo” informally, you can also use the cute expression “faire dodo.” Example:
  

  “Il est l’heure de faire dodo, mon petit chéri.” (It’s time to go to sleep, my little darling.)

• “Faire un somme”: Another way to express “to take a nap” in a more formal context is “faire un somme.” Example:
  

  “J’ai l’habitude de faire un somme en début d’après-midi.” (I’m used to taking a nap in the early afternoon.)

With these phrases, tips, and examples, you should now be able to confidently express the verb “sleep” in both formal and informal settings in French. Practice them, have fun, and have a good night’s sleep in all your conversations en français!