Chinese · Common Verbs
睡觉
shuìjiào
To sleep
Beginnerverb
Definition
To rest with your eyes closed at night.
Example
我每天十一点睡觉。
I go to sleep at eleven every day.
Etymology
睡觉 (shuìjiào) combines 睡 (shuì), meaning 'to sleep,' and 觉 (jiào), meaning 'to wake.' It reflects the dual aspects of sleep and awakening in the cycle of rest.
How & Where It’s Used
Commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, this term is informal and widely recognized throughout Chinese-speaking regions, often in discussions about health and daily routines.
Literary Heritage
睡觉 is mentioned in poems and proverbs underscoring the importance of sleep in health and daily life.