すやすや
suyasuya
On-mim Adv

Meaning

  1. (sleeping) peacefully
  2. quietly
  3. soundly

About This Word

The gentle snoring from the next room tells you your toddler is asleep. Peeking in, you find them curled up in a ball, face serene. This is the moment to describe your child's calm sleep: *Kodomo wa suyasuya nete iru.* (The child is sleeping soundly.)

You’re camping, miles from the city, under a sky teeming with stars. The only sound is the crackling of the campfire and the rhythmic breathing of your friend beside you in their sleeping bag. Feeling content, you remark on their deep slumber: *Tomodachi wa suyasuya nemutte iru ne.* (My friend is sleeping peacefully, isn't he?)

It's a hot, humid afternoon, and you've returned home after a long day at work. Your cat is sprawled across the cool tile floor of the entryway, completely passed out. Their paws twitch occasionally as they dream. You feel a wave of warmth looking at this scene, thinking: *Neko wa totemo suyasuya nete iru.* (The cat is sleeping very soundly.)

During a difficult meeting, a colleague has momentarily nodded off. Their head is gently bobbing, completely unaware of the tense discussion. While you are careful to keep your voice down, you can't help but note their peaceful state: *Kareshi wa gakkari shite, suyasuya nemuri hajimeta.* (He was disappointed, and started sleeping soundly.)

Early one spring morning, taking a walk near the elementary school, you pass by one of the classroom windows. Through the glass, you see a small child dozing lightly with their head on their desk. The teacher lets them be. You might share this with a friend, commenting softly: *Kono kodomo wa sugoi suyasuya ne.* (This child is sleeping so peacefully.)

Word Info

Japaneseすやすや
Romajisuyasuya
TypeOn-mim (Onomatopoeic & Mimetic)
Part of SpeechAdverb (fukushi)
SourceJisho

About On-mim

General onomatopoeic and mimetic expressions from the Japanese lexicon.

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