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.
Both show sleepiness. 😴 conveys deep tiredness and shutdown. It signals being done and ready to sleep, or feeling so bored that consciousness drifts away. 🥱 feels lighter and more social. It communicates a sleepy or bored reaction with a teasing edge, a theatrical gesture that can imply mild judgment or playful dismissal. The yawning face reads less final and more communicative than the sleeping face. It preserves the tired meaning while adding nuance, attitude, and an interpersonal hint.
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.
