うつらうつら

うつらうつら
adverb, onomatopoeia
drowsily, half-asleep, dozing
1. drowsily, half-asleep, in a doze
A state of being on the verge of sleep, drifting in and out of consciousness, or nodding off. Describes the hazy zone between wakefulness and sleep.
うつらうつらしていた。
I was dozing off.
電車(でんしゃ)(なか)でうつらうつらする。
To doze on the train.
会議中(かいぎちゅう)にうつらうつらしてしまった。
I ended up nodding off during the meeting.
うつらうつらしながら(ゆめ)()た。
I had a dream while half-asleep.

うつらうつら describes a drowsy state where one is not fully asleep but not fully awake either - the mind drifts in and out.

Usage:

  • うつらうつらする (to doze, be half-asleep)
  • うつらうつらしている (to be in a drowsy state)

This state often occurs:

  • On public transportation
  • During boring meetings/classes
  • While reading in bed
  • In a warm, comfortable environment

Related words:

  • うとうと: dozing lightly (similar meaning)
  • 居眠(いねむ)り: nodding off, dozing
  • まどろむ: to slumber, doze (literary)
  • (はん)覚醒(かくせい): half-awake