French Conversation · Level 49
75 words
French word
sommeil
Pronunciation
IPA/somɛj/
Meaning
- masculine nounsleep
Example
Les enfants ont besoin de sommeil.
The children need sleep.
More examples
Le manque de sommeil affecte la concentration.
Lack of sleep affects concentration.
Core concept
A dimmer switch lowering bodily and mental activity while the body restores itself.
Common phrases
manque de sommeil
lack of sleep
avoir sommeil
be sleepy
une bonne nuit de sommeil
a good night's sleep
Similar words
repos: Time spent resting to restore physical or emotional energy.
sieste: A short period of sleep taken during the day.
fatigue: A state of reduced physical or mental energy.
endormissement: The process of falling asleep.
Definition in French
État de repos pendant lequel le corps récupère et l'activité mentale diminue, le terme pouvant désigner le sommeil lui-même ou la somnolence.
Word origin
Sommeil developed from Latin somnus through related Old French forms before reaching its modern spelling.
Usage tips
- In avoir sommeil, sommeil expresses sleepiness, whereas dormir names the act of sleeping.