ねぼすけ
nebosuke
The Japanese word for 'sleepyhead' is ねぼすけ (nebosuke).
ねぼすけ is most commonly used in a playful or affectionate way to describe someone who has overslept or is slow to wake up.
Meaning: sleepy person (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word can also be written as ねぼうすけ, which uses a long 'o' sound. While ねぼすけ is the default form, ねぼうすけ is also a common way to write the term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ねぼすけ is an informal term typically used by family members or close friends, and it is often used when speaking toward children. Another informal option is 眠っこ, which is an affectionate way to refer to someone as a 'sleepyhead'.
How do you pronounce it?
nebosuke
Did you know?
- Calling someone a ねぼすけ can evoke amae, a Japanese cultural concept describing the desire to be pampered and indulged by a loved one.
- The term ねぼすけ is formed by combining 'nebo' from 'nebou' (oversleeping) with the suffix '-suke', which was traditionally used for male names. This gives the word a slightly personified, almost character-like quality.
- The alternative term 眠っこ uses the suffix '-ko', which is most famous for appearing in female names. This makes the word feel uniquely soft, cute, and highly suitable for talking to children.
Examples in context
- あんなにねぼすけなんだから。Anna ni nebosuke nan dakara.He is such a sleepyhead.
- もしかして、ねぼすけなの？Moshikashite, nebosuke nano?Are you a sleepyhead by any chance?
- 私の弟はかなりのねぼすけです。Watashi no otouto wa kanari no nebosuke desu.My younger brother is quite a sleepyhead.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are at home on a Saturday morning.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、もう朝だよ。Yui, mou asa dayo.Yui, it is morning already.
- 結衣 Yuiあと五分だけ…Ato gofun dake…Just five more minutes…
- 蓮 Ren本当にねぼすけなんだから。Hontou ni nebosuke nan dakara.You really are a sleepyhead.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くんの声がうるさすぎるよ。Ren-kun no koe ga urasugiru yo.Ren, your voice is too loud.
