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A2 adjective #3,200 most common 12 min read

endormi

Top 3,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips endormi in 30 Seconds

Explanation endormi in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'endormi' is one of the most useful adjectives for describing people and pets. You will primarily use it with the verb 'être' (to be). For example, 'Le bébé est endormi' (The baby is asleep). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex metaphorical uses. Focus on the literal meaning: someone is in their bed, eyes closed, sleeping. You should also learn that the word changes slightly if you are talking about a girl: you add an 'e' at the end ('elle est endormie'), although it sounds exactly the same when spoken. This is a great word to practice your basic 'subject + verb + adjective' sentence structure. You might use it when talking about your family or your cat. It's a peaceful, everyday word that helps you describe the world around you in simple terms. Remember to pronounce the 'en' as a nasal sound, like the 'en' in 'enfant', and keep the 'i' short and sharp at the end. Don't confuse it with 'dormir', which is the action. If you want to say 'I am asleep', you say 'Je suis endormi'. If you want to say 'I sleep', you say 'Je dors'. Keeping these two separate will help you build a solid foundation in French grammar. You will often see this word in children's books or hear it in simple cartoons where characters are taking naps. It is a fundamental part of the vocabulary needed to describe a home environment. Practicing 'endormi' will also help you get used to the concept of past participles being used as adjectives, which is a very common feature of the French language that you will see more of as you progress to higher levels.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'endormi' beyond simple descriptions of people. You will start to see it used for body parts, such as 'J'ai la jambe endormie' (My leg is asleep/numb). This is a very common French idiom that you should memorize. You also need to be more careful with plural agreements. If you are talking about two boys, it's 'endormis'; for two girls, it's 'endormies'. You might start using adverbs to modify the word, like 'profondément endormi' (fast asleep) or 'à moitié endormi' (half-asleep). These additions make your French sound more natural and precise. You will also encounter 'endormi' in the context of nature, such as a 'volcan endormi' (dormant volcano). This shows you how French uses the same word for different concepts that share the idea of 'inactivity'. In your writing, try to use 'endormi' after the noun sometimes, like 'un chat endormi', to practice adjective placement. You should also be able to distinguish between 's'endormir' (to fall asleep) and 'être endormi' (to be asleep) in the past tense. For example, 'Hier, je me suis endormi à minuit' (Yesterday, I fell asleep at midnight) vs 'À minuit, j'étais déjà endormi' (At midnight, I was already asleep). This distinction is crucial for telling stories correctly. You will also hear this word in public places, like on a bus or train, to describe passengers who have missed their stop because they were sleeping. Understanding 'endormi' at this level means you can handle basic physical descriptions and common physical sensations with confidence.

At the B1 level, 'endormi' takes on more metaphorical and stylistic roles. You will use it to describe atmospheres and environments, such as 'une ville endormie' (a sleepy town) or 'une maison endormie'. Here, the word conveys a sense of quietude and lack of activity rather than literal sleep. You should also be comfortable using 'endormi' in more complex grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses: 'L'homme que j'ai vu endormi sur le banc...' (The man I saw asleep on the bench...). At this level, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'assoupi' (dozing) and 'somnolent' (drowsy) and know when to choose 'endormi' over them. 'Endormi' remains the most neutral and common choice. You might also encounter the word in medical or professional contexts. For instance, a doctor might explain that a patient is 'endormi' under anesthesia. In a figurative sense, you could describe a project or an idea as 'endormi' if it has been put on hold. This level requires you to understand the nuance between a state of rest and a state of neglect. You should also be able to use the word in the 'passé simple' or 'imparfait' in literature, where it often sets a poetic or calm scene. For example, 'La forêt endormie semblait attendre le retour du printemps'. Your ability to use 'endormi' to describe not just people, but the 'vibe' of a place, shows a growing mastery of French descriptive nuances. You should also start noticing the word in songs and poetry, where it is often used to rhyme with words like 'vie', 'nuit', or 'ami', adding to its frequent presence in the French creative landscape.

At the B2 level, your understanding of 'endormi' should include its use in idiomatic expressions and more abstract concepts. You might encounter phrases like 'réveiller une douleur endormie' (to reawaken a dormant pain) or 'une conscience endormie' (a dormant conscience). These uses show how 'endormi' can describe internal states and abstract emotions. You should be able to discuss the nuances of sleep-related vocabulary in detail, comparing 'endormi' with 'léthargique', 'comateux', or 'engourdi'. For example, if a limb is 'endormi', it is numb, but if it is 'engourdi', it might be due to the cold. Choosing the right word demonstrates a high level of linguistic precision. You will also see 'endormi' used in social and political commentary to describe a population that is inactive or indifferent to current events: 'une société endormie'. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the word's role as a past participle in the passive voice, although this is less common than its use as a pure adjective. For example, 'Il a été endormi par la musique monotone'. You should also be able to use 'endormi' in the 'subjonctif' after certain expressions: 'Il est possible qu'il soit déjà endormi'. Your use of the word should be fluid and integrated into complex sentences that discuss not just physical states, but also psychological and societal conditions. You can also explore the historical development of the word from the Latin 'dormire' and how the prefix 'en-' adds the sense of 'into' or 'putting into' a state. This deeper understanding of word formation helps you decode other similar French words.

At the C1 level, 'endormi' is used with great stylistic variety. You will find it in high-level literature and philosophical texts where it might describe the 'dormant' state of existence or the 'slumber' of the soul. You should be able to appreciate the subtle differences between 'un volcan endormi' and 'un volcan éteint' (an extinct volcano), understanding the scientific and metaphorical implications of each. In your own writing, you can use 'endormi' to create specific moods, perhaps using it as an appositive adjective at the beginning of a sentence for dramatic effect: 'Endormi, il ne vit pas le danger approcher'. You should also be aware of the noun form 'endormissement' (the act of falling asleep) and how it relates to the adjective. At this level, you can use 'endormi' to critique art or literature, perhaps describing a style as 'un peu endormi' if it lacks vigor or innovation. You should also be familiar with the use of 'endormi' in specialized fields, such as medicine (anesthesia) or law (dormant accounts/comptes endormis). Your mastery of the word includes knowing its rare and archaic uses in classical French texts, where 'dormant' might have been used instead. You can discuss the evolution of the language and why 'endormi' became the dominant form. Your ability to use 'endormi' in a way that captures both its simplicity and its deep metaphorical potential is a hallmark of a C1 learner. You might also use it in complex debates about productivity versus rest, or in psychological discussions about the subconscious mind, which is often described as 'une part endormie de nous-mêmes'.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of 'endormi' and all its subtle connotations. You can use it with irony, sarcasm, or profound poetic intent. You might describe a political movement as 'un géant endormi' (a sleeping giant), invoking historical and cultural parallels. You understand how 'endormi' fits into the broader tapestry of French idioms and can even play with the word in puns or creative writing. Your understanding of the word is so deep that you can distinguish between 'être endormi' as a physical state and 'être endormi' as a character flaw in a complex narrative. You can analyze how authors like Proust or Baudelaire might have used the concept of sleep and 'l'être endormi' to explore themes of time, memory, and the human condition. In professional settings, you can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as describing 'des actifs endormis' (dormant assets) in finance or 'une clause endormie' in a legal contract. You are also aware of regional variations in how the word might be used or pronounced across the Francophone world. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in a way that feels completely natural, choosing it over synonyms not just for meaning, but for rhythm and tone within a sentence. You can also explain the word to others, detailing its grammatical rules, its historical roots, and its vast range of applications from the most mundane to the most abstract. At this level, 'endormi' is not just a word in your vocabulary; it is a versatile tool that you can wield with precision and elegance in any situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

endormi in 30 Seconds

Endormi means 'asleep' and is used to describe people, animals, or dormant things like volcanoes.
It is an adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes (endormie, endormis, endormies).
It is commonly used to describe numb body parts, like having a 'sleeping' foot or hand.
Do not confuse it with the verb 'dormir' (to sleep) or 's'endormir' (to fall asleep).

The French word endormi is a versatile adjective that primarily translates to "asleep" in English. At its core, it describes the state of being in slumber, but its usage extends far beyond the bedroom. Derived from the past participle of the verb endormir (to put to sleep), it functions as a descriptive term that must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This means you will encounter variations like endormie (feminine singular), endormis (masculine plural), and endormies (feminine plural). Understanding this word is essential for A2 learners because it allows for the description of daily routines, physical states, and even metaphorical conditions of objects or environments.

Literal State: When a person or animal is physically sleeping. For example, 'Le chat est endormi sur le canapé' (The cat is asleep on the sofa). It implies a completed transition from wakefulness to sleep.

Regarde le bébé, il est enfin endormi après une longue journée.

Beyond the literal, 'endormi' is frequently used to describe body parts that have 'fallen asleep' or feel numb due to lack of circulation. In French, you would say 'J'ai le pied endormi' to describe that tingling sensation of pins and needles. This is a common idiomatic use that every learner should master. Furthermore, the word can describe a person who is naturally sluggish or slow to react, acting as a personality trait or a temporary state of grogginess. If someone is 'un peu endormi' in the morning, they aren't necessarily sleeping, but they are certainly not fully alert yet.

Metaphorical Usage: Used for volcanoes (un volcan endormi) to mean dormant, or for a quiet town (une ville endormie) to mean peaceful and inactive.

Cette petite ville semble endormie pendant l'hiver.

In literary contexts, 'endormi' can describe a dormant consciousness or a hidden talent that hasn't been awakened yet. It carries a poetic weight, suggesting a potential for life or action that is currently suppressed. For instance, 'une passion endormie' refers to a passion that has faded but could be reignited. This depth of meaning makes 'endormi' a far more flexible word than its English counterpart 'asleep', which is rarely used for body parts or dormant volcanoes in the same way. By mastering 'endormi', you gain a tool for describing both the mundane and the poetic aspects of French life.

Le volcan, bien qu'endormi, reste sous haute surveillance par les experts.

Agreement Rules: Always check the gender of the subject. 'Elle est endormie' (Extra E) vs 'Il est endormi'. For groups, use 'ils sont endormis' or 'elles sont endormies'.

Les enfants sont déjà endormis dans leurs lits superposés.

Ma main est endormie parce que j'ai dormi dessus toute la nuit.

Using endormi correctly requires a basic understanding of French adjective placement and agreement. Most commonly, it follows the verb être (to be) to describe the state of a subject. However, it can also be placed directly after a noun as an attributive adjective. For example, 'un enfant endormi' (a sleeping child). Unlike English, where 'asleep' is almost exclusively a predicative adjective (you say 'the child is asleep' but rarely 'the asleep child'), French uses 'endormi' comfortably in both positions. This flexibility is a key feature of the word.

Positioning: Usually placed after the noun it modifies. 'Le village endormi' is more common than 'L'endormi village' (which is incorrect). It can also function as a noun in specific contexts, like 'un petit endormi' (a little sleepyhead).

Elle regardait son mari endormi avec tendresse.

When using 'endormi' with body parts, French typically uses the definite article (le, la, les) rather than the possessive adjective (mon, ton, son) when the possessor is the subject of the sentence. This is a classic French grammar rule. Instead of saying 'Mon pied est endormi', it is more natural to say 'J'ai le pied endormi'. This construction emphasizes that the state of being 'asleep' is affecting the body part. In this context, 'endormi' translates more accurately to 'numb' or having 'pins and needles'.

Adverbial Modification: You can intensify the state using adverbs like 'profondément' (deeply), 'moitié' (half), or 'légèrement' (lightly). 'Il est à moitié endormi' is a very common phrase during morning meetings.

Après le film, nous étions tous à moitié endormis.

In more advanced structures, 'endormi' can appear in absolute constructions at the beginning of a sentence to set a scene. 'Endormi par la chaleur, le chien ne bougeait plus' (Lulled to sleep by the heat, the dog no longer moved). Here, it acts almost like a cause-and-effect descriptor. It is also important to note that 'endormi' can be used with the verb 'sembler' (to seem) or 'paraître' (to appear), which adds a layer of observation rather than certainty. 'Il semble endormi, mais il nous écoute' (He seems asleep, but he is listening to us).

La forêt paraissait endormie sous la neige fraîche.

Negation: To say someone is not asleep, use the standard 'ne... pas' structure. 'Il n'est pas endormi'. Alternatively, use 'réveillé' (awake) for a more direct contrast.

Ne faites pas de bruit, même s'il n'est pas tout à fait endormi.

Les passagers endormis ne remarquèrent pas le retard du train.

You will encounter endormi in a variety of real-life settings in French-speaking countries. One of the most common places is within the family home, particularly during the evening routine. Parents will often check on their children and whisper 'Il est endormi' to their partner. It is a word associated with peace, quiet, and the end of the day. In this domestic context, the word is gentle and comforting. You might also hear it in the morning when someone is struggling to wake up, where a friend might say 'Tu es encore tout endormi !' (You're still all sleepy!).

Medical Contexts: In a hospital or clinic, doctors use 'endormi' to describe the effect of anesthesia. Before surgery, anesthesiologists might say 'Vous allez être endormi dans quelques instants' (You are going to be put to sleep in a few moments).

Le patient est déjà endormi et prêt pour l'opération.

On public transport, especially late-night trains or long-haul flights, 'endormi' is the standard way to describe your fellow travelers. You might hear an announcement asking passengers to wake up those 'endormis' around them as they reach the final station. Similarly, in news reports, you might hear about 'un quartier endormi' (a sleepy neighborhood) where a surprising event has occurred, contrasting the usual tranquility with the new excitement. This use of the word helps set the scene for the audience, painting a picture of a place where 'nothing ever happens'.

Nature and Science: Geologists and science presenters use 'endormi' for volcanoes. It is the technical term for 'dormant'. For example, 'Le Puy de Dôme est un volcan endormi'. It suggests a state of temporary inactivity rather than extinction.

Les ours restent endormis pendant toute la période d'hibernation.

In the workplace, 'endormi' can be used as a mild criticism. A manager might describe a team as 'un peu endormie' if they lack energy or are failing to meet deadlines. It's less harsh than calling them 'lazy' (paresseux), but it implies a need for a 'wake-up call' (un réveil). You will also hear it in sports commentary when a team is playing without intensity; the commentator might say 'La défense semble endormie ce soir'. This variety of contexts shows that 'endormi' is a fundamental building block of French descriptive language.

Réveille-toi ! Tu as l'air complètement endormi ce matin.

Body Sensations: Commonly used in daily complaints. 'J'ai les jambes endormies à force de rester assis'. It's the standard way to express numbness.

Ma main est endormie car j'ai porté ce sac trop longtemps.

Le village était encore endormi quand le soleil s'est levé.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with endormi is confusing it with the verb dormir. While 'dormir' is the action (to sleep), 'endormi' is the state (asleep). You cannot say 'Je suis dormir'; you must say 'Je dors' (I am sleeping) or 'Je suis endormi' (I am asleep). This distinction is vital. Think of 'endormi' as a result of the process of falling asleep. If you are in the middle of the act, use the verb. If you are describing the condition of the person, use the adjective.

The 'S'endormir' Confusion: Learners often mix up 's'endormir' (to fall asleep) and 'être endormi' (to be asleep). 'Je m'endors' means 'I am falling asleep' right now. 'Je suis endormi' means I am already in that state. Don't use 'endormi' when you mean the transition.

Faux: Je suis endormi à dix heures. (Correct: Je me suis endormi à dix heures - I fell asleep at ten).

Another common pitfall is gender and number agreement. Because the English word 'asleep' never changes, students often forget to add the 'e' for feminine or the 's' for plural. This is especially tricky in speech where 'endormi' and 'endormie' sound identical. However, in writing, 'La fille est endormi' is a glaring error. Always look at the subject of the sentence and adjust the ending of 'endormi' accordingly. Remember: endormi (m), endormie (f), endormis (m.pl), endormies (f.pl).

Body Parts and Possession: Avoid saying 'Mon bras est endormi'. While grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural. Use the 'J'ai le bras endormi' construction. This is a subtle nuance that marks the difference between a student and a fluent speaker.

Faux: Mes jambes sont endormies. (Mieux: J'ai les jambes endormies).

A more advanced mistake involves the word 'dormant'. English speakers see 'dormant' and assume it's the standard word for 'sleeping' (as in 'dormant volcano'). In French, 'dormant' is mostly used as a present participle or in specific fixed expressions. For a person who is asleep, 'endormi' is almost always the correct choice. If you say 'un homme dormant', it sounds like you are writing 17th-century poetry or a police report describing 'a man who is sleeping' as an action, not a state. Stick to 'endormi' for general descriptions.

Ne confondez pas endormi avec 'somnolent' (drowsy). 'Endormi' is a state of sleep; 'somnolent' is the struggle to stay awake.

The Passive Voice Trap: Sometimes learners use 'endormi' thinking it's the passive of 'endormir' (to be put to sleep by someone). While technically true, it's 99% used as a simple adjective. Don't overthink the 'action' behind the state.

Elle semblait endormie, mais elle surveillait tout du coin de l'œil.

Ils sont endormis depuis plus de huit heures maintenant.

While endormi is the standard term for "asleep," French offers several nuances depending on the depth of sleep or the context. Understanding these synonyms helps you sound more precise and expressive. For instance, if someone is only lightly sleeping or dozing, you might use assoupi. If they are in a deep, heavy sleep, profondément endormi is the way to go. If they are drowsy or struggling to keep their eyes open, somnolent or dans le gaz (slang) might be more appropriate.

Assoupi vs Endormi: 'Assoupi' implies a light sleep or a doze. You might be 'assoupi' in an armchair for ten minutes. 'Endormi' is more neutral and can describe a full night's sleep. Use 'assoupi' for a nap (une sieste).

Le grand-père est assoupi devant la télévision.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter léthargique or inerte. These words describe a state of inactivity that goes beyond mere sleep. 'Léthargique' suggests a lack of energy or responsiveness, often used for a sick person or a stagnant economy. 'Inerte' describes something that does not move at all, like a body or an object. While 'endormi' can be used metaphorically for a city, 'inerte' would sound much more clinical and lifeless. Choosing between these depends on the emotional tone you want to convey.

Dormant vs Endormi: 'Dormant' is mostly used as a present participle ('l'eau dormante' - stagnant water) or in fixed titles. For volcanoes, 'endormi' is the standard adjective in modern French, although 'en sommeil' is also used.

Il est somnolent à cause de ses médicaments.

On the opposite side, 'réveillé' (awake) is the direct antonym. However, there are nuances here too. Someone can be 'bien réveillé' (wide awake) or 'alerte'. In a metaphorical sense, the opposite of 'un volcan endormi' is 'un volcan actif'. For a body part, the opposite of 'endormi' is simply 'normal' or 'sensible'. Understanding these pairings allows you to build contrasts in your writing and speaking. For example, 'Le village, autrefois endormi, est maintenant très animé' (The village, once sleepy, is now very lively).

Un esprit endormi peut être réveillé par une grande idée.

Comparison Table: Endormi: General state. Assoupi: Light/Short sleep. Somnolent: Feeling sleepy. Inactif: Metaphorical/Not working.

Même les gardiens les plus vigilants peuvent parfois paraître endormis.

Elle est endormie depuis hier soir sans interruption.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Le sujet est demeuré endormi durant l'intégralité de l'examen."

Neutral

"Le bébé est enfin endormi."

Informal

"T'es encore tout endormi, toi !"

Child friendly

"Chut, le petit ourson est endormi."

Slang

"Il est complètement à l'ouest, encore endormi."

Fun Fact

The word 'endormi' has been used since the 12th century. In old French, it was sometimes used to mean 'stupid' because a sleeping person isn't using their brain!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɑ̃.dɔʁ.mi/

US /ɑ̃.dɔɹ.mi/

The stress in French is usually on the final syllable: en-dor-MI.

Rhymes With

ami parti fini petit midi merci fourmi bruit

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'i' like 'eye'. It should always be 'ee'.
Forgetting the nasal 'en' and pronouncing it like 'on' or 'in'.
Making the 'r' too hard like an English 'r'. It should be a soft French uvular 'r'.
Trying to pronounce the 'e' in 'endormie'. It is silent.
Not linking 'sont' and 'endormis' in 'ils sont endormis' (liaison).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'dormir'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but don't forget the nasal 'en'.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, but look out for liaisons like 'ils sont endormis'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

dormir être bébé chat lit

Learn Next

s'endormir sommeil réveillé rêver fatigué

Advanced

assoupi engourdi léthargique somnolent hibernation

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

La fille est endormie; les garçons sont endormis.

Definite Articles with Body Parts

J'ai le bras endormi (not 'mon bras').

Liaison after 'sont'

Ils sont_endormis (pronounce the 't').

Position of Adjectives

Un volcan endormi (usually after the noun).

Using 'être' for States

Je suis endormi (to be in the state of sleep).

Examples by Level

Le bébé est endormi.

The baby is asleep.

Simple subject + verb 'être' + adjective.

Mon chat est endormi sur le lit.

My cat is asleep on the bed.

Masculine singular agreement.

Elle est endormie dans le fauteuil.

She is asleep in the armchair.

Feminine singular agreement (add 'e').

Les enfants sont endormis.

The children are asleep.

Masculine plural agreement (add 's').

Est-ce qu'il est endormi ?

Is he asleep?

Question form with 'est-ce que'.

Le chien n'est pas endormi.

The dog is not asleep.

Negation with 'ne... pas'.

Je suis un peu endormi ce matin.

I am a bit sleepy this morning.

Use of 'un peu' as a modifier.

Regarde, ils sont tous endormis.

Look, they are all asleep.

Plural agreement for a mixed or masculine group.

J'ai le pied endormi.

My foot is asleep (numb).

Idiomatic use for numbness with 'avoir le...'

Les filles sont déjà endormies.

The girls are already asleep.

Feminine plural agreement (add 'es').

C'est un volcan endormi depuis longtemps.

It is a volcano that has been dormant for a long time.

Metaphorical use for 'dormant'.

Il est à moitié endormi devant la télé.

He is half-asleep in front of the TV.

Adverbial phrase 'à moitié'.

Ma main est endormie parce que j'ai dormi dessus.

My hand is asleep because I slept on it.

Feminine singular agreement for 'main'.

Le village semble endormi sous la neige.

The village seems asleep under the snow.

Use with the verb 'sembler'.

Réveille-toi, tu es encore tout endormi !

Wake up, you're still all sleepy!

Use of 'tout' as an intensifier.

Les passagers endormis ne bougeaient pas.

The sleeping passengers did not move.

Attributive adjective following the noun.

La belle au bois dormant est restée endormie cent ans.

Sleeping Beauty remained asleep for a hundred years.

Reference to the fairy tale.

L'anesthésiste a dit que vous seriez endormi rapidement.

The anesthesiologist said you would be put to sleep quickly.

Medical context for anesthesia.

Une ville endormie peut cacher bien des secrets.

A sleepy town can hide many secrets.

Figurative use for a quiet place.

J'ai trouvé mon frère endormi sur ses livres.

I found my brother asleep on his books.

Object complement structure.

Bien qu'endormi, il semblait sourire.

Although asleep, he seemed to smile.

Concessive clause with 'bien que'.

Les ours restent endormis tout l'hiver.

Bears stay asleep all winter.

Describing hibernation.

Elle marchait doucement pour ne pas réveiller le chien endormi.

She walked softly so as not to wake the sleeping dog.

Adjective modifying the object.

Le marché immobilier semble endormi en ce moment.

The real estate market seems stagnant right now.

Metaphorical use for 'stagnant'.

Il faut réveiller les consciences endormies face à ce problème.

We must awaken dormant consciences in the face of this problem.

Abstract metaphorical use.

Le patient est profondément endormi sous sédation.

The patient is deeply asleep under sedation.

Adverbial intensification.

Elle a une passion endormie pour la peinture qu'elle veut retrouver.

She has a dormant passion for painting that she wants to rediscover.

Describing a latent interest.

Les gardiens étaient endormis au moment du vol.

The guards were asleep at the time of the robbery.

State of being during an event.

Ce quartier, autrefois endormi, est devenu très branché.

This neighborhood, once sleepy, has become very trendy.

Contrast between past and present states.

J'ai ressenti une douleur endormie qui se réveillait brusquement.

I felt a dormant pain that was suddenly waking up.

Describing recurring physical issues.

Le projet est resté endormi dans les tiroirs de l'administration.

The project remained dormant in the administration's drawers.

Idiomatic for a forgotten project.

Ils sont restés endormis malgré le bruit assourdissant.

They remained asleep despite the deafening noise.

Contrast with 'malgré'.

La nature endormie attendait le premier souffle du printemps.

Dormant nature awaited the first breath of spring.

Literary personification of nature.

L'esprit endormi par la routine ne crée plus rien de nouveau.

The mind, lulled by routine, no longer creates anything new.

Participial phrase as an adjective.

C'est un géant endormi qui pourrait se réveiller à tout moment.

It is a sleeping giant that could wake up at any moment.

Idiomatic expression for potential power.

L'enfant, à peine endormi, fut réveillé par un cauchemar.

The child, barely asleep, was woken by a nightmare.

Adverbial modifier 'à peine'.

Ses talents, longtemps endormis, ont enfin trouvé un exutoire.

His talents, long dormant, have finally found an outlet.

Describing latent abilities.

Le village paraissait endormi dans une éternelle mélancolie.

The village appeared asleep in an eternal melancholy.

Evocative literary description.

Il a le regard endormi de ceux qui ont trop veillé.

He has the sleepy gaze of those who have stayed up too late.

Using the adjective to describe a look.

La ville, endormie sous la canicule, semblait déserte.

The city, asleep under the heatwave, seemed deserted.

Appositive adjective position.

L'anesthésie l'avait laissé dans un état second, à moitié endormi.

The anesthesia had left him in a daze, half-asleep.

Describing post-operative states.

Une société endormie est une proie facile pour les démagogues.

A sleeping society is easy prey for demagogues.

Sociopolitical metaphor.

Le poète évoque souvent la beauté d'une ville endormie.

The poet often evokes the beauty of a sleeping city.

Literary analysis context.

Il y a en chaque homme une bête endormie qui ne demande qu'à sortir.

There is in every man a sleeping beast just waiting to come out.

Philosophical/Psychological metaphor.

La mémoire endormie peut être ravivée par une simple odeur.

Dormant memory can be revived by a simple smell.

Describing cognitive processes.

Le projet n'est pas mort, il est simplement endormi pour le moment.

The project is not dead; it is simply dormant for the moment.

Distinction between 'dead' and 'dormant'.

Elle contemplait les champs endormis sous la pâle lueur de la lune.

She gazed at the sleeping fields under the pale moonlight.

High-level descriptive prose.

Ses remords, autrefois si vifs, étaient désormais endormis.

His remorse, once so sharp, was now dormant.

Describing the fading of emotions.

Common Collocations

profondément endormi

à moitié endormi

volcan endormi

pied endormi

ville endormie

sembler endormi

rester endormi

être vite endormi

tout endormi

regard endormi

Common Phrases

avoir le pied endormi

— To have pins and needles in one's foot. Used when circulation is cut off.

Attends, j'ai le pied endormi, je ne peux pas marcher.

un volcan endormi

— A dormant volcano. It's not extinct but not currently active.

Le Puy de Dôme est un volcan endormi.

être à moitié endormi

— To be half-asleep. Usually used in the morning or during a boring task.

Pardon, je suis à moitié endormi, qu'est-ce que tu as dit ?

une ville endormie

— A sleepy town. A place where there is very little activity or excitement.

C'était une ville endormie jusqu'à l'arrivée du festival.

être profondément endormi

— To be fast asleep. To be in a very deep state of slumber.

Ne crie pas, le bébé est profondément endormi.

avoir l'air endormi

— To look sleepy. Used for someone who appears tired or groggy.

Tu as l'air tout endormi aujourd'hui, tu as bien dormi ?

rester endormi

— To stay asleep. Used when someone doesn't wake up despite noise or time.

Malgré l'alarme, il est resté endormi.

trouver quelqu'un endormi

— To find someone asleep. Used when discovering someone in a state of sleep.

Je l'ai trouvé endormi sur le canapé.

un bras endormi

— A numb arm. Often happens after sleeping in a bad position.

Je me suis réveillé avec un bras endormi.

être encore endormi

— To still be asleep or sleepy. Commonly used in the early morning.

Désolé, mon cerveau est encore endormi.

Often Confused With

endormi vs dormir

Dormir is the verb (the action), endormi is the adjective (the state).

endormi vs sommeil

Sommeil is the noun 'sleep'. You say 'j'ai sommeil' (I am sleepy), not 'je suis sommeil'.

endormi vs s'endormir

S'endormir is the reflexive verb meaning 'to fall asleep'.

Idioms & Expressions

"réveiller le chat qui dort"

— Literally 'to wake the sleeping cat'. Similar to 'let sleeping dogs lie'.

Mieux vaut ne pas réveiller le chat qui dort en parlant de ce sujet.

informal

"avoir un pied endormi"

— To have a foot that has 'fallen asleep' (numbness).

J'ai un pied endormi, je sens des fourmis partout.

neutral

"être endormi au gaz"

— Quebec slang for being very slow, sluggish, or not paying attention.

Réveille-toi, tu es endormi au gaz ce matin !

slang

"un volcan endormi"

— Used to describe a person with a hidden temper or potential energy.

Il a l'air calme, mais c'est un volcan endormi.

neutral

"dormir debout"

— To be so tired you could sleep standing up. (Related to the state of being endormi).

Cette histoire est à dormir debout ! (Meaning: it's nonsense/unbelievable).

informal

"la belle au bois dormant"

— Sleeping Beauty. A cultural reference to a long sleep.

Elle dort comme la belle au bois dormant.

literary

"avoir les yeux endormis"

— To have sleepy-looking eyes.

Il a encore les yeux tout endormis.

neutral

"une conscience endormie"

— A dormant or ignored conscience.

Il a fini par réveiller sa conscience endormie.

formal

"être endormi par la musique"

— To be lulled to sleep by music.

J'ai été endormi par la douce mélodie.

neutral

"rester sur ses deux oreilles"

— To sleep soundly (related to being endormi).

Tu peux dormir sur tes deux oreilles, tout est prêt.

informal

Easily Confused

endormi vs dormant

English speakers use 'dormant' for volcanoes and people.

In French, 'dormant' is literary or specific (water). 'Endormi' is for people and volcanoes.

Un volcan endormi (not dormant).

endormi vs assoupi

Both mean sleeping.

Assoupi is light sleep (dozing); endormi is general sleep.

Il est assoupi dans son fauteuil.

endormi vs engourdi

Both used for numbness.

Engourdi usually implies cold or lack of movement; endormi is the general term for pins and needles.

Mes mains sont engourdies par le froid.

endormi vs somnolent

Both relate to sleep.

Somnolent means you want to sleep; endormi means you are sleeping.

Je me sens somnolent après ce repas.

endormi vs ennuyeux

Boring things make you sleep.

Ennuyeux means boring. Endormi is the state of the person.

Ce film est ennuyeux, je suis presque endormi.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] est endormi.

Le chat est endormi.

J'ai [le/la body part] endormi(e).

J'ai la main endormie.

Il est à moitié endormi.

Un(e) [noun] endormi(e).

Une ville endormie.

Il semble endormi.

L'enfant semble endormi.

Rester endormi malgré [quelque chose].

Il est resté endormi malgré le bruit.

Endormi, [Subject] [Verb]...

Endormi, il ne sentit pas le froid.

Une [abstract noun] endormie.

Une conscience endormie.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and literature.

Common Mistakes

Je suis dormir. → Je suis endormi. / Je dors.
You cannot use the infinitive 'dormir' with 'être'. Use the adjective 'endormi' for the state.
La fille est endormi. → La fille est endormie.
Adjectives must agree with the feminine subject by adding an 'e'.
Mon pied est endormi. → J'ai le pied endormi.
While 'mon pied est endormi' is understandable, the 'avoir le...' construction is much more natural in French.
Je me suis endormi pour huit heures. → J'ai dormi pendant huit heures.
'S'endormir' is the moment of falling asleep. To describe the duration, use 'dormir'.
Un volcan dormant. → Un volcan endormi.
In modern French, 'endormi' is the standard adjective for a dormant volcano.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always look at who is sleeping. If it's a girl, add 'e'. If it's a group, add 's'. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Body Parts

Memorize the pattern 'J'ai le/la [body part] endormi(e)'. It's very common and sounds very native.

The Nasal 'En'

Practice the nasal 'en' sound. It's the same as in 'enfant' or 'enchanté'. Don't pronounce the 'n' fully.

Volcanoes

Use 'endormi' for dormant volcanoes. It's a great way to remember the word's metaphorical side.

State vs Action

Use 'être endormi' for the state and 'dormir' for the ongoing action. 'Il est endormi' vs 'Il dort'.

Morning Grogginess

Use 'tout endormi' to describe someone who just woke up and isn't fully alert yet.

Adjective Position

Place 'endormi' after the noun when using it as a descriptor, like 'un chien endormi'.

Fairy Tales

Remember 'La Belle au bois dormant' to associate 'dormant/endormi' with long periods of sleep.

Liaison

Listen for the 't' in 'ils sont endormis'. It's a clear marker of the plural form in speech.

Assoupi vs Endormi

Use 'assoupi' if someone is just dozing off in a chair. Use 'endormi' for a deeper sleep.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EN-DORM-I'. 'EN' is like 'in', 'DORM' is like 'dormitory' (where you sleep), and 'I' is just the ending. You are 'IN the DORM sleeping'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'Z' sitting on top of a volcano. The volcano is 'endormi'.

Word Web

Dormir Sommeil Lit Rêve Nuit Couette Oreiller Réveil

Challenge

Try to use 'endormi' three times today: once for a person, once for a pet, and once for a body part that feels numb.

Word Origin

From the verb 'endormir', which combines the prefix 'en-' (into) with 'dormir' (to sleep). 'Dormir' comes from the Latin 'dormire'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was literally 'to put into a state of sleep'.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling a person 'endormi' in a professional setting, as it can imply they are lazy or slow.

English speakers use 'asleep' mostly for people. French speakers use 'endormi' more broadly for body parts and nature.

La Belle au bois dormant (Sleeping Beauty) Le Dormeur du val (Arthur Rimbaud poem) Various French songs about the 'ville endormie'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

Le bébé est endormi.
Le chat est endormi.
Je suis à moitié endormi.
Il est profondément endormi.

Physical sensations

J'ai le pied endormi.
Ma main est endormie.
J'ai la jambe endormie.
Mes doigts sont endormis.

Nature

Un volcan endormi.
Une nature endormie.
La forêt endormie.
Un lac endormi.

Travel

Les passagers endormis.
Il est resté endormi dans le train.
Une ville endormie.
Un quartier endormi.

Work/School

Tu as l'air endormi.
Un esprit endormi.
Il semble endormi en réunion.
Le projet est endormi.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu es plutôt du matin ou encore un peu endormi quand tu te lèves ?"

"As-tu déjà eu le pied tellement endormi que tu ne pouvais plus marcher ?"

"Connais-tu un volcan endormi dans ton pays ou ailleurs ?"

"Est-ce que tu trouves que ta ville est endormie pendant le week-end ?"

"Comment réveilles-tu quelqu'un qui est profondément endormi ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une scène matinale où tout le monde est encore endormi dans ta maison.

Raconte une fois où tu as eu un bras ou une jambe endormie de façon amusante.

Imagine une histoire qui se passe dans une ville mystérieusement endormie.

Pourquoi est-il parfois difficile de rester éveillé quand on se sent endormi ?

Écris sur un talent ou un rêve que tu as laissé endormi pendant trop longtemps.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You should say 'J'ai la jambe endormie'. French uses the verb 'avoir' and the definite article 'la' for body parts in this context.

It is both. It is the past participle of the verb 'endormir', but it is most commonly used as an adjective to mean 'asleep'.

No, the 'e' at the end of 'endormie' is silent. The pronunciation is the same as the masculine 'endormi'.

Yes, 'un volcan endormi' is the standard way to say a dormant volcano in French.

'Dormir' is the action of sleeping (e.g., 'Je dors'). 'Être endormi' is the state of being asleep (e.g., 'Je suis endormi').

Add an 's' for masculine plural ('endormis') and 'es' for feminine plural ('endormies').

Yes, 'être dans le gaz' or 'être dans le coltard' are informal ways to say someone is half-asleep or groggy.

Not directly, but a 'ville endormie' can imply it is a boring or quiet place.

It means 'fast asleep' or 'sound asleep'.

Yes, it is used to describe someone under anesthesia: 'Le patient est endormi'.