Used when you’re super tired, bored, or about to crash. It shows you’re done for the day and just want to sleep — or sometimes that something is so dull it’s putting you to sleep.
You’ve been up late finishing a project and your friend asks if you want to watch one more episode.
I love you but… I’m literally falling asleep 😴
Sometimes 😴 isn’t about literal sleep — it can also mean “this is so boring I could fall asleep.” It’s a light, slightly dramatic way to show disinterest or exhaustion.
In Japanese chats, 😴 mostly appears as a cute way to say “I’m sleepy” or “off to bed,” not sarcasm. People often pair it with “おやすみ〜” (good night).
Using 😴 in a group or work chat can read as you’re checked out or not paying attention — better save it for close friends or bedtime messages.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
More on yawning face
😴 sleeping face and 🥱 yawning face both convey sleepiness and boredom, signaling low energy or disinterest in a situation, but they differ in intensity and tone: 😴 often reads as exhausted or fully zoned out—you’re done for the day or something was so dull it knocked you out—whereas 🥱 carries a lighter, more social vibe, suited to mild tiredness, subtle boredom, or playful feigned indifference; 🥱 can feel like a gentle nudge in conversation or a teasing reaction to someone’s comment, while 😴 tends to close the conversation with a finality that you’re offline for rest.
If you’re utterly exhausted, checking out, or want to signal you’re going to sleep, use 😴. If you’re mildly tired, slightly bored, or want to tease someone about being uninteresting, use 🥱.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
