slapen — meaning in English: to sleep

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to sleep

rode

tegenstrijdigheid

bijstand

steeds

slapen

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Dutch for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Dutch speakers commonly use the word 'slapen' in everyday situations, particularly when discussing bedtime routines or expressing fatigue. For example, a parent might say to a child, 'Het is tijd om te slapen,' which translates to 'It's time to sleep.' Additionally, 'slapen' can be used in more casual settings, such as friends joking about how much they need to catch up on sleep after a long week.

Synonyms & nuances

'Slapen' is often compared to 'rusten,' which means 'to rest.' While 'slapen' specifically refers to the act of sleeping, 'rusten' can imply a broader sense of resting without necessarily falling asleep. You'd choose 'slapen' when discussing sleep specifically, whereas 'rusten' might be used when talking about taking a break.

Culture

'Slapen' originates from the Old Dutch word 'slāpan,' which has roots in similar Germanic languages. The cultural significance of sleep in Dutch society is notable, as many believe in the importance of a good night's rest for overall well-being, which is reflected in their relaxed attitude toward afternoon naps, or 'dutjes.'

FAQ

Q.How do you conjugate 'slapen' in the present tense?

'Slapen' is a regular verb and is conjugated as follows in the present tense: ik slaap (I sleep), jij/u slaapt (you sleep), hij/zij/het slaapt (he/she/it sleeps), wij/jullie/zij slapen (we/you/they sleep).

Q.What is the past tense of 'slapen'?

In the past tense, 'slapen' becomes 'sliep' (I slept) for singular subjects and 'sliepen' (we slept) for plural subjects. For example, 'Ik sliep goed' means 'I slept well.'

Q.Can 'slapen' be used in a figurative sense?

Yes, 'slapen' can be used figuratively in expressions like 'slapen met één oog open,' meaning 'to sleep with one eye open,' which refers to being alert while resting. However, it primarily denotes the literal act of sleeping.

Learn dutch with Maspeak →

Dutch Vocabulary