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B1 verb #2,500 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

横になる

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic verbs of daily routine. '横になる' (yoko ni naru) is essential vocabulary for describing simple physical actions. Beginners learn that while '寝る' (neru) means to sleep, '横になる' specifically means the physical act of lying down. It is taught as a set phrase. Learners practice using it with basic time words and locations, such as 'ベッドで横になる' (lie down on the bed). The focus is on recognizing the phrase in simple listening exercises and being able to state one's own immediate intentions, like 'I am tired, so I will lie down' (疲れたから、横になります). Understanding this phrase helps beginners navigate basic self-care and communicate simple physical states to host families or friends. It forms the foundation for more complex expressions of health and well-being in later stages.
At the A2 level, learners expand their use of '横になる' to include giving and receiving simple instructions, particularly in health-related contexts. They learn to understand phrases like 'ここで横になってください' (Please lie down here), which is crucial for visiting a clinic or school nurse in Japan. Learners also begin to use the te-form (横になって) to connect sentences, such as '横になって本を読む' (lie down and read a book). The distinction between '横になる' (intentional resting) and '倒れる' (accidental collapsing) becomes clearer. They practice using adverbs of degree, like '少し' (a little) or 'ちょっと' (a bit), to soften their statements, making their Japanese sound more natural and polite when expressing a need for a short rest during daily activities.
At the B1 level, '横になる' is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary for describing nuanced states of health and daily routines. Learners can comfortably use the continuous form '横になっている' (is lying down) to describe ongoing states, such as '彼は風邪で横になっている' (He is lying down with a cold). They learn to navigate polite requests and permissions, such as '気分が悪いので、少し横になってもいいですか' (I feel unwell, may I lie down for a bit?). At this stage, learners understand the cultural implication that '横になる' is a softer, more acceptable way to excuse oneself for a break compared to declaring an intention to sleep. They also encounter the phrase in various reading materials, such as blogs or simple stories, where it sets the scene for a character's physical and emotional state.
At the B2 level, learners encounter '横になる' in more complex narratives and formal situations. They understand its subtle differences from synonyms like '寝転ぶ' (nekorobu - to sprawl casually) and '横たわる' (yokotawaru - to lie down, literary). They can use it in conditional clauses, such as '横になれば楽になるよ' (You'll feel better if you lie down). In professional or formal contexts, they know how to use humble or respectful forms appropriately if necessary, though '横になる' itself remains standard. They can comprehend detailed medical instructions involving specific postures (e.g., 仰向けに横になる - lie on one's back). The phrase is used naturally to express empathy, advising others to rest when they look overworked, reflecting a deeper understanding of Japanese social dynamics regarding health and fatigue.
At the C1 level, the usage of '横になる' is intuitive and nuanced. Learners can appreciate its stylistic use in literature, where the physical act of lying down often mirrors a character's psychological state—vulnerability, defeat, or deep contemplation. They can effortlessly switch between '横になる', '伏せる' (fuseru), and '横たわる' depending on the desired tone and register. They understand idiomatic or extended uses in complex sentence structures. In conversation, they use it seamlessly to manage social interactions, using it as a polite buffer when declining invitations due to fatigue ('今日は少し横になっていたい気分なので...' - I feel like just lying down today, so...). Their command of the phrase reflects a near-native grasp of how physical posture is linguistically tied to social propriety and personal well-being in Japan.
At the C2 level, the learner's mastery of '横になる' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. They possess a complete command of its historical, cultural, and literary connotations. They can analyze how the concept of 'becoming horizontal' reflects broader Japanese philosophies of rest and recuperation. They can engage in high-level discourse about medical procedures, ergonomics, or literature, using the phrase and its derivatives with absolute precision. They recognize regional variations or slight generational differences in how resting is discussed. At this pinnacle of proficiency, '横になる' is not just a vocabulary item, but a tool deployed with perfect sociolinguistic awareness to navigate the most delicate of interpersonal situations regarding health, boundaries, and physical space.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

横になる en 30 secondes

  • Means 'to lie down' physically.
  • Used to express a need to rest.
  • Commonly heard in clinics and hospitals.
  • Different from 'neru' which means to sleep.

The Japanese verb 横になる (yoko ni naru) is a fundamental expression used to describe the physical action of lying down. It is composed of the noun 横 (yoko), meaning 'side' or 'horizontal', the target particle に (ni), and the verb なる (naru), meaning 'to become'. Literally, it translates to 'to become horizontal'. This phrase is universally understood and utilized across all levels of Japanese society, from casual family conversations to formal medical settings. It primarily emphasizes the physical change in posture rather than the act of sleeping itself, making it distinct from verbs like 寝る (neru), which specifically means to sleep or go to bed.

Literal Breakdown
横 (yoko) = horizontal/side. に (ni) = to/into. なる (naru) = become.

Understanding the nuance of this word is crucial for Japanese learners. When someone says they are going to 'yoko ni naru', they are often implying a need for rest, recuperation, or a brief pause from physical exertion. It is the perfect phrase to use when you are feeling slightly unwell, fatigued, or simply want to recline on a sofa or bed without fully committing to a night's sleep.

疲れたから、少し横になるね。

I'm tired, so I'm going to lie down for a bit.

In Japanese culture, where overwork and fatigue are common topics of discussion, expressing the need to lie down is a polite and indirect way of saying you need a break. It softens the statement, making it less abrupt than saying 'I am going to sleep'.

Cultural Context
Resting is often framed around physical posture to avoid sounding lazy.

気分が悪いので、ベッドで横になる。

I feel sick, so I will lie down on the bed.

The versatility of the phrase allows it to be modified easily with adverbs. For example, 'ちょっと横になる' (chotto yoko ni naru) means to lie down for a moment, while 'すぐ横になる' (sugu yoko ni naru) means to lie down immediately. This flexibility makes it a staple in daily communication.

食後はすぐに横になるな。

Don't lie down immediately after eating.

Furthermore, the phrase is deeply embedded in medical and health-related contexts. Doctors and nurses frequently use it to instruct patients. Understanding this usage is vital for anyone living in or visiting Japan, as it ensures smooth communication during medical examinations or emergencies.

Medical Usage
Standard instruction for patients to get on the examination table.

こちらのベッドで横になってください。

Please lie down on this bed.

In summary, '横になる' is much more than a simple vocabulary word; it is a cultural touchstone that reflects the Japanese approach to rest, health, and polite communication. Mastering its nuances will significantly enhance a learner's ability to navigate daily life in Japan.

ソファで横になるのが好きです。

I like lying down on the sofa.

Using 横になる (yoko ni naru) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the contexts in which it is most appropriate. As a Group 1 (Godan) verb ending in 'ru', it conjugates according to standard rules. The te-form is 横になって (yoko ni natte), the past tense is 横になった (yoko ni natta), and the negative is 横にならない (yoko ni naranai). This predictability makes it relatively easy for learners to integrate into various sentence patterns.

Verb Group
Godan (Group 1) verb. Conjugates regularly.

今から横になります。

I will lie down now (polite).

One of the most common ways to use this phrase is in conjunction with words indicating duration or degree, such as 少し (sukoshi - a little) or ちょっと (chotto - a bit). This combination softens the statement and implies a temporary state of rest. It is frequently used when explaining one's actions to family members or roommates.

Common Modifiers
少し (sukoshi), ちょっと (chotto), すぐに (sugu ni).

頭が痛いから、ちょっと横になってもいい？

My head hurts, is it okay if I lie down for a bit?

When describing the location where the action takes place, the particle で (de) is typically used. For example, ベッドで (beddo de - on the bed), ソファで (sofa de - on the sofa), or 畳の上で (tatami no ue de - on the tatami mat). This clearly establishes the setting for the rest.

床で横になると体が痛くなります。

If you lie down on the floor, your body will hurt.

In more formal or professional settings, such as a workplace, announcing that you are going to lie down might be considered inappropriate unless you are genuinely unwell. In such cases, it is better to use phrases like 休ませていただきます (yasumasete itadakimasu - I will take a rest) and then physically lie down in a designated rest area or medical room.

Workplace Etiquette
Use with caution at work; implies illness or extreme fatigue.

保健室で横になってきなさい。

Go and lie down in the nurse's office.

Another important grammatical point is the use of the continuous state. 横になっている (yoko ni natte iru) means 'is lying down' or 'is in a state of lying down'. This is used to describe an ongoing condition rather than the momentary action of changing posture.

彼は一日中横になっていた。

He was lying down all day.

Mastering these various forms and contexts will allow you to use '横になる' naturally and effectively in a wide range of situations, from casual chats to expressing physical distress.

The phrase 横になる (yoko ni naru) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, and you will encounter it in a variety of specific environments. One of the most common places is within the home. Family members frequently use it to communicate their need for rest after a long day of work or school. It is a gentle, non-demanding way to claim personal space and time for recovery.

Home Environment
Used daily to express fatigue and the intention to rest on a sofa or bed.

お父さんは今、部屋で横になっているよ。

Dad is lying down in his room right now.

Another primary setting where this phrase is essential is in hospitals, clinics, and dental offices. Medical professionals use it as a standard instruction for patients. Whether you are getting an X-ray, an ultrasound, or simply a physical examination, you will almost certainly hear the doctor or nurse politely ask you to lie down.

Medical Settings
Crucial vocabulary for understanding doctors' instructions.

靴を脱いで、こちらで横になってください。

Please take off your shoes and lie down here.

You will also hear it in the context of wellness and relaxation services, such as massage parlors, acupuncture clinics, and spas. In these environments, lying down is the prerequisite for receiving the service, and the staff will guide you using polite forms of the phrase.

うつ伏せで横になってお待ちください。

Please lie face down and wait.

In literature, novels, and written narratives, '横になる' is frequently used to describe a character's actions, often setting a mood of contemplation, illness, or exhaustion. Writers use it to paint a visual picture of a character's physical state, which often mirrors their internal emotional state.

Literature and Media
Used to depict scenes of rest, sickness, or deep thought.

彼女は静かに草の上に横になった。

She quietly lay down on the grass.

Finally, in sports and physical education, coaches might use the phrase during stretching routines or when a player is injured on the field. It is a practical instruction for managing physical bodies in space. Recognizing the phrase in these diverse contexts will greatly improve your listening comprehension and situational awareness in Japan.

怪我をした選手がグラウンドに横になっている。

The injured player is lying on the ground.

While 横になる (yoko ni naru) is a straightforward phrase, learners often make subtle mistakes regarding its nuance and application, particularly when confusing it with similar verbs like 寝る (neru - to sleep) or 倒れる (taoreru - to fall over). Understanding these distinctions is key to achieving natural-sounding Japanese.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 寝る
Using 横になる when you actually mean falling asleep for the night.

The most frequent error is using '横になる' when the intention is to go to sleep for the night. While lying down is a prerequisite for sleeping, saying '夜10時に横になります' (I lie down at 10 PM) sounds slightly unnatural if you mean 'I go to bed at 10 PM'. In that case, '寝ます' (nemasu) is the correct choice. '横になる' emphasizes the physical posture, not the unconscious state of sleep.

❌ 毎晩11時に横になります。
⭕ 毎晩11時に寝ます。

Incorrect vs Correct usage for 'going to sleep'.

Another common mistake is using the wrong particle. Learners sometimes use に (ni) instead of で (de) to indicate the location of lying down. For example, saying 'ベッドに横になる' is technically understandable and sometimes used, but 'ベッドで横になる' is generally more natural when describing the location where the action of resting takes place. However, 'ベッドに横たわる' (yokotawaru) takes 'ni'. This subtle particle difference can trip up intermediate learners.

Mistake 2: Particle Errors
Using 'ni' instead of 'de' for the location of the action.

❌ ソファに横になる。
⭕ ソファで横になる。

While 'ni' is sometimes heard, 'de' is safer for indicating the place of action.

Learners also sometimes confuse '横になる' with '倒れる' (taoreru), which means to collapse or fall over. If someone faints, they 'taoreru'. If they intentionally lie down to rest, they 'yoko ni naru'. Using 'yoko ni naru' for an accident sounds bizarrely calm and intentional.

Mistake 3: Intentionality
Using 横になる for accidental falls or collapsing.

❌ 貧血で道に横になった。
⭕ 貧血で道に倒れた。

I collapsed on the street from anemia (not 'intentionally lay down').

Finally, overusing the phrase in formal business contexts can be a mistake. Telling your boss '少し横になります' (I'm going to lie down a bit) implies you are quite sick. If you just need a break, it's better to say '少し休憩します' (sukoshi kyuukei shimasu - I will take a short break). Being aware of these common pitfalls will greatly refine your Japanese expression.

❌ 社長、疲れたので横になります。
⭕ 社長、少し休憩をいただいてもよろしいでしょうか。

Appropriate business communication.

風邪を引いたので、今日は一日横になっています。

I caught a cold, so I will be lying down all day today. (Correct usage)

The Japanese language offers a rich vocabulary for describing states of rest and physical posture. While 横になる (yoko ni naru) is the most common and versatile phrase for lying down, several other words share similar meanings but carry distinct nuances. Exploring these synonyms helps build a more precise and expressive vocabulary.

寝る (Neru)
To sleep / To go to bed.

The most closely related word is 寝る (neru). As discussed, 'neru' primarily means to sleep. While it inherently involves lying down, the focus is on the loss of consciousness and the biological need for sleep. You can 'yoko ni naru' while reading a book, but if you are 'neru', you are asleep (or trying to sleep). 'Neru' is the word you use when saying 'Goodnight' (寝ます).

ベッドで横になって本を読んでいたら、いつの間にか寝てしまった。

I was lying on the bed reading a book, and before I knew it, I fell asleep.

Another similar verb is 寝転ぶ (nekorobu). This translates to 'to lie down' or 'to sprawl'. It carries a much more casual, relaxed, and sometimes lazy nuance than 'yoko ni naru'. You might 'nekorobu' on the tatami floor while watching TV or playing video games. It implies a lack of formal posture and a state of complete relaxation.

寝転ぶ (Nekorobu)
To sprawl out, to lie around casually.

休日は一日中、畳の上で寝転んでテレビを見ている。

On my days off, I sprawl on the tatami all day watching TV.

For a more literary or formal tone, the verb 横たわる (yokotawaru) is used. It also means to lie down, but it paints a more dramatic or static picture. It is often used in novels to describe a body lying on the ground, a fallen tree, or someone lying in state. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation to say 'I'm going to take a nap'.

横たわる (Yokotawaru)
To lie down (formal/literary), to be laid out.

道の中央に大きな倒木が横たわっている。

A large fallen tree is lying in the middle of the road.

Finally, the phrase ゴロゴロする (gorogoro suru) is an onomatopoeic expression that means to idle away time, often by lying around doing nothing. It evokes the image of someone rolling around lazily. While 'yoko ni naru' can be for a legitimate medical rest, 'gorogoro suru' strictly implies laziness or a very relaxed weekend vibe.

日曜日は家でゴロゴロして過ごした。

I spent Sunday lying around idly at home.

少し気分が悪いので、あちらで横にならせてください。

I feel a bit sick, so please let me lie down over there. (Using the causative-passive for extreme politeness).

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

わたしは ベッドで 横に なります。

I lie down on the bed.

Basic polite form (masu form).

2

すこし 横に なります。

I will lie down a little.

Using adverb すこし (a little).

3

ここで 横に なって ください。

Please lie down here.

Te-form + kudasai for requests.

4

つかれたから、横に なる。

I'm tired, so I'll lie down.

Casual dictionary form.

5

いま、横に なって います。

I am lying down right now.

Te-form + imasu for current state.

6

ソファで 横に ならないで。

Don't lie down on the sofa.

Negative te-form for prohibition.

7

きのう、はやく 横に なりました。

I lay down early yesterday.

Past polite form.

8

横に なって テレビを みます。

I lie down and watch TV.

Te-form connecting two actions.

1

気分が悪いので、少し横になってもいいですか。

I feel sick, may I lie down for a bit?

Te-form + mo ii desu ka (asking permission).

2

食後すぐに横になると、体に良くないですよ。

It's not good for your body if you lie down right after eating.

Dictionary form + to (conditional 'if/when').

3

保健室のベッドで横になって休んでください。

Please lie down and rest on the bed in the nurse's office.

Chaining verbs: yoko ni natte yasumu.

4

彼は一日中、部屋で横になっていた。

He was lying down in his room all day.

Past continuous state (te-ita).

5

ちょっと横になりたい気分です。

I feel like I want to lie down a bit.

Verb stem + tai (desire).

6

横になったまま、本を読まないでください。

Please don't read books while lying down.

Ta-form + mama (leaving a state as is).

7

風邪を引いたみたいだから、早く横になりなさい。

It looks like you caught a cold, so go lie down early.

Verb stem + nasai (gentle command).

8

暗い部屋で横になると、すぐに眠れます。

If I lie down in a dark room, I can sleep immediately.

Conditional 'to' with potential verb.

1

仰向けに横になって、深呼吸をしてください。

Please lie on your back and take a deep breath.

Vocabulary integration: 仰向け (aomuke - face up).

2

めまいがしたので、しばらくベンチで横になっていた。

I felt dizzy, so I lay down on a bench for a while.

Expressing cause and extended state.

3

横になれば少しは痛みが和らぐかもしれません。

The pain might ease a little if you lie down.

Ba-conditional form.

4

彼はソファに横になった途端、いびきをかき始めた。

As soon as he lay down on the sofa, he started snoring.

Ta-form + totan (as soon as).

5

ずっと横になっていると、かえって腰が痛くなりますよ。

If you keep lying down, your lower back will actually start to hurt.

Continuous state + conditional 'to'.

6

医者に、無理をせず横になるよう言われました。

I was told by the doctor not to overdo it and to lie down.

Dictionary form + you (ni) iwareru (indirect command).

7

横になろうとしたが、心配事で眠れなかった。

I tried to lie down, but I couldn't sleep because of worries.

Volitional form + to suru (attempted action).

8

ただ横になっているだけで、何もする気が起きない。

I'm just lying down and don't feel like doing anything.

Te-iru dake de (just doing [state]).

1

うつ伏せに横になる姿勢は、首に負担をかけると言われている。

It is said that the posture of lying face down puts a strain on the neck.

Noun modification: yoko ni naru shisei (posture of lying down).

2

疲労困憊で、帰宅するなり床に横になってしまった。

I was so exhausted that I lay down on the floor the moment I got home.

Dictionary form + nari (as soon as).

3

病床で横になりながら、彼はこれまでの人生を振り返った。

While lying in his sickbed, he reflected on his life thus far.

Verb stem + nagara (simultaneous action).

4

少し横にならせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。

Would it be alright if I allowed myself to lie down for a bit?

Causative-passive te-form + itadaitemo yoroshii deshou ka (highly polite request).

5

横になったところで、この頭痛が治まるとは思えない。

Even if I lie down, I don't think this headache will subside.

Ta-form + tokoro de (even if).

6

彼女は泣き疲れて、いつしかベッドに横になったまま眠りに落ちていた。

Exhausted from crying, she had unknowingly fallen asleep while lying on the bed.

Complex state description with 'mama'.

7

手術後は、絶対に起き上がらず、静かに横になっていなければならない。

After the surgery, you must absolutely not sit up and must remain quietly lying down.

Negative te-form + nakereba naranai (must not do X, must do Y).

8

芝生の上に大の字になって横になるのは、最高の気分だ。

Lying down spread-eagled on the grass is the best feeling.

Idiomatic phrase integration: dai no ji ni natte (spread-eagled).

1

微熱が続いているため、大事を取って今日は一日横になっていることにした。

Since I have a persistent slight fever, I decided to play it safe and stay lying down all day today.

Koto ni shita (decided to).

2

彼はソファーに横になりつつも、頭の中では明日のプレゼンの構成を練っていた。

Even while lying on the sofa, he was working out the structure of tomorrow's presentation in his head.

Verb stem + tsutsu mo (even while).

3

ただ横になって天井を見つめるだけの、虚無感に苛まれる日々が続いた。

Days plagued by a sense of emptiness continued, where I did nothing but lie down and stare at the ceiling.

Advanced noun modification and emotional vocabulary.

4

医師の指示に従い、安静にして横になっているほかない。

Following the doctor's orders, there is nothing to do but rest quietly and lie down.

Dictionary form + hoka nai (have no choice but to).

5

酔いつぶれて道端に横になっている若者を見て、ため息をついた。

I sighed upon seeing a young person dead drunk and lying on the side of the road.

Descriptive participle usage.

6

横になったが最後、泥のように眠ってしまい、朝まで一度も目を覚まさなかった。

Once I lay down, I slept like a log and didn't wake up once until morning.

Ta-form + ga saigo (once X happens, Y inevitably follows).

7

老犬は日向に横になり、穏やかな午後の日差しを浴びていた。

The old dog lay in the sun, basking in the gentle afternoon sunlight.

Literary description of state.

8

無理をして倒れるくらいなら、早めに横になって休養をとるべきだ。

Rather than pushing yourself until you collapse, you should lie down early and get some rest.

Kurai nara (rather than).

1

病に伏せ、ただ横になることしか許されない状況にあって、彼は己の無力さを痛感した。

Confined to his bed by illness, in a situation where he was only permitted to lie down, he keenly felt his own powerlessness.

Highly formal/literary phrasing (yamai ni fuse).

2

物理的に横になることと、精神的な安らぎを得ることは、必ずしも同義ではない。

Physically lying down and obtaining mental peace are not necessarily synonymous.

Abstract philosophical statement.

3

畳の上に無造作に横になった彼の姿には、言い知れぬ疲労の色が濃く滲んでいた。

His figure, carelessly lying on the tatami, deeply exuded an indescribable color of fatigue.

Advanced literary description (nijinde ita).

4

いかに横になろうとも、胸の奥底で渦巻く焦燥感が消えることはなかった。

No matter how much he lay down, the sense of frustration swirling in the depths of his chest never disappeared.

Ikani + volitional + to mo (no matter how much).

5

戦場において、不用意に横になることは死を意味するが、休息もまた生存に不可欠であるというジレンマ。

The dilemma on the battlefield where carelessly lying down means death, yet rest is also essential for survival.

Complex noun phrase construction.

6

彼女は横になった姿勢のまま、微動だにせず、ただ静かに時の流れるのを待っていた。

Remaining in a lying posture, without making the slightest movement, she just quietly waited for time to pass.

Bidou da ni sezu (without the slightest movement).

7

長時間のフライトで、足を伸ばして横になれるフルフラットシートのありがたみを噛み締めた。

On the long flight, I deeply appreciated the blessing of a full-flat seat where I could stretch my legs and lie down.

Potential form modifying a noun (yoko ni nareru).

8

横になるという行為自体が、現代の過酷な労働環境に対するささやかな抵抗であるかのように思えた。

It seemed as if the very act of lying down was a modest resistance against the harsh modern working environment.

Aru ka no you ni omoeta (seemed as if it were).

Collocations courantes

ベッドで横になる
ソファで横になる
少し横になる
ちょっと横になる
仰向けに横になる
うつ伏せに横になる
静かに横になる
横になって休む
横になって待つ
横になって本を読む

Phrases Courantes

ちょっと横になります

横になってもいいですか

気分が悪いので横になる

横になったまま

横になると楽になる

横になって過ごす

すぐ横になる

横になって考え事をする

横になってテレビを見る

横になって寝る

Souvent confondu avec

横になる vs 寝る (neru - to sleep)

横になる vs 倒れる (taoreru - to collapse)

横になる vs 座る (suwaru - to sit)

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

横になる vs

横になる vs

横になる vs

横になる vs

横になる vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Emphasizes the physical posture of resting. It is intentional and usually temporary.

colloquialisms

Often shortened in very casual speech to 'ちょっと横になるわ'.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '横になる' when saying 'Goodnight' before going to sleep for the night.
  • Using the particle 'に' (ni) instead of 'で' (de) for the location (e.g., ベッドに横になる instead of ベッドで横になる).
  • Confusing it with '倒れる' (taoreru) when describing an accidental fall or fainting.
  • Using it in formal business situations to mean 'taking a break', which sounds too dramatic.
  • Forgetting to conjugate 'なる' correctly, treating it as an irregular verb instead of a standard Group 1 (Godan) verb.

Astuces

Rest vs Sleep

Always remember the core difference: use this phrase for resting, not for your main night's sleep. If you are taking a 15-minute break on the sofa, it's perfect. If you are putting on pajamas, use 寝る.

Particle 'De'

Memorize the pattern '[Place] で 横になる'. The particle 'de' indicates the location where the action of resting takes place. 'ベッドで', 'ソファで', '床で'.

Medical Context

If you visit a doctor in Japan, listen for this phrase. They will almost always say 'ベッドで横になってください' when they need to examine you. Knowing this will reduce anxiety at the clinic.

Softening Requests

When you feel sick and need to excuse yourself, saying '少し横になります' is much softer and more polite than saying '寝ます'. It shows you are unwell, not just sleepy.

Continuous State

If someone is currently in bed resting, use the te-iru form: '横になっている'. This describes their ongoing state, not the moment they fell down.

Directional Words

Pair this verb with '仰向け' (aomuke - face up) and 'うつ伏せ' (utsubuse - face down) to be highly specific. This is great for advanced learners or those taking yoga classes in Japanese.

Workplace Warning

Avoid using this casually at work unless you are in the nurse's office. Japanese work culture values endurance, so stating you will lie down implies a severe inability to work.

Negative Form

The negative form is '横にならない' (yoko ni naranai). You might hear a doctor say '食後すぐには横にならないでください' (Please don't lie down immediately after eating).

Flat Pitch

The pitch accent is 'heiban' (flat). It starts low on 'yo', goes high on 'ko', and stays high for the rest of the phrase: yoKO NI NARU. Practice this to sound natural.

Spread-eagled

Learn the phrase '大の字になって横になる' (dai no ji ni natte yoko ni naru). It means to lie spread-eagled, like the kanji for 'big' (大). It's a fun, descriptive phrase.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a YO-YO (yoko) going to sleep. It has to 'become horizontal' (ni naru) on the floor to stop spinning.

Origine du mot

Native Japanese (Wago).

Contexte culturel

Lying down in public spaces (like train stations or parks) is generally frowned upon in Japan, unless it's a designated rest area.

It is a neutral phrase, acceptable in most daily situations, but requires polite forms (yoko ni narimasu) with superiors.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"顔色が悪いですね。少し横になった方がいいですよ。(You look pale. You should lie down for a bit.)"

"疲れたので、ソファで横になってもいいですか？(I'm tired, can I lie down on the sofa?)"

"休日はいつも横になってテレビを見ています。(On my days off, I always lie down and watch TV.)"

"食後すぐに横になると太りますよ。(You'll gain weight if you lie down right after eating.)"

"ここで横になってお待ちください。(Please lie down here and wait.)"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you were so tired you had to lie down immediately.

What is your favorite place to lie down and relax?

Write a short dialogue between a doctor and a patient using '横になる'.

Explain the difference between '横になる' and '寝る' in your own words.

How do you feel when you finally lie down at the end of a long day?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is understood, but '寝る' (neru) is much more natural. '横になる' implies you are just resting your body. If you are officially going to sleep for the night, use '寝る'. It sounds a bit strange to say 'I will become horizontal' when you mean 'Goodnight'.

Use the particle 'で' (de). For example, 'ベッドで横になる' (lie down on the bed). This is because lying down is considered an action happening at a location. While 'に' (ni) is sometimes heard, 'で' is grammatically safer and more common.

It depends on the context. If you are very sick, you can say '少し横にならせていただきます' (I will allow myself to lie down). However, just saying '横になります' to your boss because you are tired is considered unprofessional. It's better to ask for a '休憩' (kyuukei - break).

To lie on your back is '仰向けに横になる' (aomuke ni yoko ni naru). To lie on your stomach is 'うつ伏せに横になる' (utsubuse ni yoko ni naru). These are very common phrases in medical or massage settings.

'横になる' is a neutral term for lying down to rest. '寝転ぶ' (nekorobu) has a casual, slightly lazy nuance, like sprawling out on the floor to watch TV. You wouldn't use '寝転ぶ' at a hospital.

Yes, you can use it for animals. For example, '犬が床で横になっている' (The dog is lying on the floor). It works exactly the same as for humans.

Use the te-form plus kudasai: '横になってください' (yoko ni natte kudasai). If you are a doctor, you might say 'こちらで横になってください' (Please lie down here).

It means 'while remaining lying down'. 'まま' (mama) indicates a state is kept as is. For example, '横になったままテレビを見る' means to watch TV while staying lying down.

It is an intransitive verb (自動詞 - jidoushi). It describes an action the subject does to themselves. You cannot 'yoko ni naru' an object. To lay something down, you would use '横にする' (yoko ni suru).

'なる' (naru) means 'to become'. '横' (yoko) means horizontal. So you are literally 'becoming horizontal'. It describes the transition from standing or sitting to a flat posture.

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