How to Say ‘I’m Tired, I Need Rest’ in Japanese

Feeling tired and in need of rest is a universal human experience, and being able to express this in different languages can be quite helpful, especially when traveling or communicating with speakers of other languages. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to say “I’m tired, I need rest” in Japanese, along with related phrases and cultural nuances.

1. 疲れた (Tsukareta)

  • This is a straightforward way to say “I’m tired” in Japanese. You can use it in various situations to express your fatigue. The pronunciation is “tsuh-kah-reh-tah.”

2. 休みたい (Yasumitai)

  • This phrase means “I want to rest” or “I want a break.” It’s a clear indication that you’re in need of relaxation. The pronunciation is “yah-soo-mee-tah-ee.”

3. 休憩が必要です (Kyuukei ga hitsuyou desu)

  • If you want to emphasize that you need a break, you can use this expression, which means “I need a break.” It’s useful in a work or study context. The pronunciation is “kyoo-kay gah hee-tsoo-yoh desu.”

4. お疲れ様 (Otsukaresama)

  • While this phrase doesn’t directly mean “I’m tired,” it’s commonly used in Japanese culture to acknowledge someone’s hard work or efforts. If someone says this to you, it’s a polite way of recognizing your fatigue. The pronunciation is “oh-tsuh-kah-reh-sah-mah.”

5. 休憩してもいいですか? (Kyuukei shitemo ii desu ka?)

  • This question means “Is it okay if I take a break?” and is appropriate for asking for permission to rest in a formal or work setting. The pronunciation is “kyoo-kay shee-teh-moh ee desu ka?”

6. 今日は早めに寝ます (Kyou wa hayame ni nemasu)

  • If you plan to go to bed early because you’re tired, you can use this sentence, which means “I’ll go to bed early tonight.” The pronunciation is “kyoh wah hah-yah-meh nee neh-mah-soo.”

7. 眠い (Nemui)

  • This word means “sleepy” and can be used to express that you’re not only tired but also in need of sleep. The pronunciation is “neh-moo-ee.”

8. 一休みしたい (Hitoyasumi shitai)

  • This phrase means “I want to take a short break” and can be used when you need a brief respite from your activities. The pronunciation is “hee-toh-yah-soo-mee shee-tah-ee.”

**9.

体がだるい (Karada ga darui)**

  • This expression means “my body feels heavy” and is often used when you’re physically exhausted. The pronunciation is “kah-rah-dah gah dah-roo-ee.”

10. お風呂に入ってリラックスしたい (Ofuro ni haitte rirakkusu shitai)
– When you’re tired, taking a bath can be a great way to relax. This sentence means “I want to take a bath and relax.” The pronunciation is “oh-foo-roh nee hah-eet-teh ree-rah-kks soo hee-tah-ee.”

Now that you have these phrases at your disposal, you’ll be better equipped to communicate your need for rest in Japanese. Remember that Japanese culture places importance on politeness and consideration, so using these phrases appropriately will help you navigate social interactions more effectively when you’re feeling tired.

My Recommendations for your Japanese learning

  • Japanese Pod 101 My Honest Review Read more
  • JLPT N5 Test Prep-course - The Expert Secret Check Out