Nod off Meaning in English
expression
ˈnɑd/ /ˈɔf
NAHD-awf
nˈɒd/ /ˈɒf
NOD-of
Definition
To fall asleep for a short time, usually by accident, especially when sitting up or when you are not supposed to.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, common in conversational English. Often used for falling asleep briefly and unintentionally, like in meetings, on a bus, or while watching TV. 'Nod off' is softer than 'fall asleep' and never used for planned sleep.
Spanish: quedarse dormido (sin querer) - cabecear (de sueño)Portuguese (BR): cochilar - pegar no sono (sem querer)Portuguese (PT): adormecer (sem querer) - cabecearChinese (Simplified): 打瞌睡 - 不小心睡着Chinese (Traditional): 打瞌睡 - 不小心睡著Hindi: झपकी लेनाArabic: غفوة قصيرة (دون قصد)Bengali: ঘুমিয়ে পড়া - ঘুমের ঝিমুনি আসাRussian: засыпать - дрематьJapanese: うとうとするVietnamese: ngủ gậtKorean: 꾸벅꾸벅 졸다Turkish: uyuklamakUrdu: اونگھناIndonesian: tertidur - ketiduran (sebentar)
Example Sentences
I often nod off in class after lunch.
basic
Don't nod off on the bus; you might miss your stop.
basic
He started to nod off while watching TV.
basic
Sorry, I must have nodded off for a minute during your presentation.
natural
If you nod off at the wheel, it can be dangerous.
natural
She always nods off whenever a movie gets boring.
natural