Dormir vs S’endormir – To Sleep vs To Fall Asleep
This short guide explains the difference between dormir and s’endormir, gives quick examples, and lists useful related expressions. You'll learn when to use each verb so you can describe sleeping and falling asleep clearly.
Dormir
Use dormir to describe the action of sleeping, whether for a short nap or a full night's rest. It focuses on being in the sleep state.
Examples
| French Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🛏️ Je dors huit heures chaque nuit pour être en forme. | I sleep eight hours every night to be well-rested. |
| 🌙 Elle dort profondément sous la lumière des étoiles. | She sleeps deeply under the starlight. |
| 🏕️ Nous dormons dans des tentes au bord du lac. | We sleep in tents by the lake. |
| 🐶 Le chien dort dans son panier près du feu. | The dog sleeps in its bed near the fire. |
Expressions
| French Expression | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dormir comme une marmotte | To sleep like a marmot | Sleep very deeply |
| Dormir sur ses deux oreilles | To sleep on both ears | To sleep peacefully |
| Faire dormir quelqu’un | To lull someone to sleep | Often used with children |
| Dormir à la belle étoile | To sleep under the stars | Sleeping outside at night |
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S’endormir
Use s’endormir to describe the moment when someone falls asleep, that transition from wakefulness to sleep. It highlights the onset of sleep.
Examples
| French Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 📖 Je m’endors toujours en lisant un livre au lit. | I always fall asleep while reading a book in bed. |
| 🎶 Elle s’endort en écoutant de la musique douce. | She falls asleep listening to soft music. |
| 🔥 Nous nous sommes endormis près du feu de camp. | We fell asleep near the campfire. |
| 🌅 Ils se sont endormis au coucher du soleil sur la plage. | They fell asleep at sunset on the beach. |
Expressions
| French Expression | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| S’endormir comme une souche | To fall asleep like a log | To fall asleep very quickly |
| S’endormir au volant | To fall asleep at the wheel | Very dangerous, extreme tiredness |
| S’endormir sur le canapé | To fall asleep on the couch | Casual or unintended sleep |
| Faire coucher quelqu’un | To put someone to bed | Often used with children |
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Related Verbs
Other useful verbs for talking about sleep include se réveiller (to wake up), réveiller (to wake someone), and faire la sieste (to take a nap). These help you describe the entire sleep cycle.
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Summary
Remember: use dormir for the act of sleeping and s’endormir for the moment of falling asleep. Learn a few signal expressions and related verbs to talk naturally about sleep in French.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025