κοιμάμαι
Lemma: κοιμάμαι
Translation: to sleep; to go to sleep; to be asleep (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κοιμάομαι (koimáomai), meaning 'to fall asleep' or 'to lie down to rest'. The root is related to the Greek word 'κοίτη' (koítē) meaning 'bed' or 'resting place'. This verb has maintained its meaning throughout Greek history, and is related to English words like 'cemetery' (from Greek 'κοιμητήριον' - a sleeping place, where the dead 'sleep').
Example Usage
Κοιμάμαι οκτώ ώρες κάθε βράδυ.
I sleep eight hours every night.
Τα παιδιά κοιμούνται νωρίς.
The children sleep early.
Κοιμήθηκες καλά χθες το βράδυ;
Did you sleep well last night?
Δεν μπορώ να κοιμηθώ όταν έχει θόρυβο.
I can't sleep when there's noise.
Χθες κοιμήθηκα αργά.
Yesterday I went to sleep late.
Κοιμήσου καλά!
Sleep well!
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cemetery' (where people eternally sleep) to remember κοιμάμαι means 'to sleep'
- The 'κοι' sound can remind you of being 'cozy' in bed
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, sleep is considered important for health, and there are many expressions related to sleep. The phrase 'καληνύχτα' (goodnight) is commonly used when someone is going to sleep. Greeks traditionally take afternoon naps, especially during hot summer months, a practice called 'μεσημεριανός ύπνος'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While κοιμάμαι means 'to sleep', κάθομαι means 'to sit'. Both are deponent verbs (verbs with passive form but active meaning) and have similar conjugation patterns, which can cause confusion.
This word:
Κοιμάμαι στο κρεβάτι.
I sleep in the bed.
Confused word:
Κάθομαι στην καρέκλα.
I sit on the chair.
Notes: Both verbs are essential in everyday Greek and are among the first verbs learned by beginners.
Mnemonic: Remember: κοιμάμαι for horizontal position (sleeping), κάθομαι for vertical position (sitting).