I'm learning
עברית
ישנה — meaning in English: Sleeping
yeshna · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
Sleeping
חסר
chaser
לאט
le'at
מניח
meniach
אבי
avi
ישנה
yeshna
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word ישנה (yeshna) in everyday conversations when discussing sleep or when describing someone who is currently asleep. For example, a parent might say to a friend, 'The baby is ישנה in her crib,' during a casual chat at home, or a teacher might remark, 'The student is ישנה during class,' highlighting the student's inattentiveness.
Synonyms & nuances
While ישנה (yeshna) means 'sleeping,' a close synonym is ישן (yashan), which also refers to 'sleeping' but is often used in a more literary or poetic context. You would use ישנה when talking about someone currently asleep, while ישן might be used to describe a state of sleep in storytelling or more formal discussions.
Culture
The word ישנה (yeshna) is derived from the root ש-נ-א (shin-nun-aleph), which pertains to sleep. In Hebrew culture, sleep is often associated with peace and restoration, and there are even traditional sayings that highlight the importance of restful sleep for one's well-being. This connection to cultural values makes the word not just a description but a reminder of the significance of rest in our lives.
FAQ
