मुझे नींद आ रही है

Use this phrase exactly like 'I am sleepy'. You start with Mujhe (to me). Then add neend (sleep). Follow it with aa rahi hai (is coming). The grammar stays the same regardless of your gender. This is because neend is a feminine noun. It is simple, effective, and very common. You can add bahut (very) before neend if you are crashing hard.

Use it when you are yawning during a movie. Use it when a meeting goes on too long. It is perfect for texting a friend goodnight. If you are at a dinner party and want to leave politely, this is your exit ticket. It sounds honest and relatable. Everyone in India understands the struggle of staying awake!

Avoid using this in a high-stakes job interview. It might make you look uninterested or lazy. Don't say it to your boss while they are giving instructions. Also, if you are actually sick (not just tired), use Tabiyat kharab hai. This phrase is strictly for that 'I need a pillow' feeling. Don't use it if you are just bored but have energy.

In Indian households, sleep is often discussed collectively. You might hear mothers telling kids Neend aa rahi hai? as a gentle nudge to bed. There is a sense of comfort in this phrase. It is often followed by a glass of warm milk or a 'Goodnight'. It is a soft, domestic expression that bridges the gap between formal and intimate settings.

If you want to be extra casual, just say Neend aa rahi hai and drop the Mujhe. Your eyes will tell the rest of the story. For a more 'slang' feel, you can say Aankhein band ho rahi hain (My eyes are closing). If you are exhausted from work, try Main thak gaya hoon (I am tired). But for pure sleepiness, nothing beats the original.