Used to show tiredness, drowsiness, or being emotionally drained. The little droplet isn’t a tear — it’s a “sleep bubble,” showing you’re about to doze off.
You promised to watch a movie with your friend, but it’s already midnight and your eyes won’t stay open.
swear I’m still watching… 😪
In Japanese chats, 😪 often means simple sleepiness (眠い), not sadness. It’s common to send it at the end of the day as a gentle “good night” signal.
Western users sometimes misread the droplet as crying — if you want to show sadness, use 😢 instead. 😪 is more “I’m about to fall asleep” than “I’m upset.”
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
More on sleeping face
😪 sleepy face and 😴 sleeping face both convey tiredness and a need for rest, often used to signal low energy, drowsiness, or emotional drain; both show a relaxed, sleepy state and can be used playfully to indicate boredom or the end of activity. The differences lie in intensity and context: 😪 sleepy face reads softer and more gently tired—suitable for mild sleepiness, a slow afternoon slump, or emotional exhaustion where you’re fading but still present—while 😴 sleeping face is stronger and final, signaling you’re totally done, crashing for the night, or that something is so boring it knocks you out; the Target emoji’s tone is more absolute and decisive, fitting scenarios where you want to close the conversation, announce bedtime, or exaggerate how dull an event or message is.
You can use 😪 sleepy face to indicate you’re feeling drowsy, slightly drained, or about to nod off during the day. Use 😴 sleeping face to show you’re completely exhausted, signing off for sleep, or to jokingly say something is unbearably boring.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
