Guide: How to Say Sleeping in Greek – Formal and Informal Phrases

Learning how to say “sleeping” in Greek is a useful skill, whether you are planning a trip to Greece, have Greek-speaking friends, or simply want to expand your language repertoire. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to express “sleeping” in Greek, both formally and informally. Additionally, we will provide you with tips, examples, and even touch on some regional variations. So, let’s dive right into the world of sleep-related vocabulary in Greek!

1. Formal Ways to Say “Sleeping” in Greek

When it comes to using formal language, Greek offers a few expressions for “sleeping.” Here are three commonly used phrases:

i. Κοιμώμενος (kimagarynomenos)

The word “κοιμώμενος” means “sleeping” in a formal sense. It is an adjective derived from the verb “κοιμάμαι” (koimamai), which means “to sleep.” This term is often used to describe someone who is currently asleep or in a sleeping state. Here’s an example:

Όταν είσαι κοιμώμενος, δεν σε ενοχλεί κανένας. (Otan eisai kimagarynomenos, den se enochlei kanenas) – When you are sleeping, nobody bothers you.

ii. Υπνωτισμένος (ipnotismenos)

Another formal term for “sleeping” in Greek is “υπνωτισμένος.” This adjective is derived from the noun “υπνωτισμός” (ipnotismos), which means “hypnosis.” While “υπνωτισμένος” technically refers to someone who is under hypnosis, it can also be used to describe someone in a sleeping state. For instance:

Ο ασθενής είναι υπνωτισμένος αυτή τη στιγμή. (O asthenis einai ipnotismenos afti ti stigmi) – The patient is sleeping right now.

iii. Κοιμημένος (koimimenos)

Lastly, we have the adjective “κοιμημένος,” which means “sleeping” in a formal sense. Similar to the previous terms, this word is derived from the verb “κοιμάμαι.” Here is an example usage:

Παρακαλώ μην τον ενοχλήσετε, είναι κοιμημένος. (Parakalo min ton enochlisete, einai koimimenos) – Please do not disturb him, he is sleeping.

2. Informal Ways to Say “Sleeping” in Greek

Greek, like many other languages, offers informal ways to express “sleeping.” These phrases are commonly used in everyday conversations. Let’s explore some of them:

i. Κοιμιέμαι (koimiemai)

The verb “κοιμιέμαι” is an informal way to say “sleeping” in Greek. This term is derived from the verb “κοιμάμαι” and is used in casual contexts. Here’s an example of its usage:

Θα πάω να κοιμηθώ για λίγο. (Tha pao na koimitho gia ligo) – I’m going to sleep for a while.

ii. Νιν γιανγκ-νούν (nin gang-noun)

“Νιν γιανγκ-νούν” is a colloquial phrase used mainly in the Cypriot dialect. It is an informal way to say “sleeping” in Greek. Here’s an example:

Τον πιάσανε νιν γιανγκ-νούν μέσα στην τάξη. (Ton piasane nin gang-noun mesa stin taksi) – They caught him sleeping in the classroom.

3. Wrap-up

Congratulations! Now you know various ways to say “sleeping” in Greek, both formally and informally. Let’s recap the phrases we’ve learned:

• Formal:
  • Κοιμώμενος (kimagarynomenos) – Sleeping
  • Υπνωτισμένος (ipnotismenos) – Sleeping
  • Κοιμημένος (koimimenos) – Sleeping
• Informal:
  • Κοιμιέμαι (koimiemai) – Sleeping
  • Νιν γιανγκ-νούν (nin gang-noun) – Sleeping (Cypriot dialect)

Remember, language is alive, and variations might exist across different regions or dialects. Additionally, you can always make use of these phrases as a starting point to explore further sleep-related vocabulary in Greek. Keep practicing the language, and soon you’ll be able to express yourself comfortably in any conversation about sleeping!