Which one should you use?
While ¿me puedo quedar a dormir? is a standard way to ask, you may also see ¿Puedo quedarme a dormir?, where the reflexive pronoun is attached to the end of the infinitive instead of being placed before the conjugated verb. For a more casual tone, ¿Puedo quedarme a dormir por aquí? can be used to mean "Can I crash here?" or "Can I sleep over around here?" and ¿Me dejas quedarme a dormir? translates to "Will you let me sleep over?" to emphasize asking for permission.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the question ¿Puedo pasar la noche aquí? is used to mean "Can I spend the night here?"
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ¿me puedo quedar a dormir?, the verb poder (can/to be able to) is conjugated in the first person singular puedo to express the speaker's ability or request.
Did you know?
- The verb quedar in this phrase is actually a sibling to the English words 'quiet' and 'quit', sharing a common ancestor that relates to being still or resting.
- While dormir means 'to sleep', Spanish speakers often use the verb quedarse on its own to imply spending the night without mentioning sleep at all.
- The word dormir shares an ancient root with the English word 'dormitory', which literally means a place for sleeping.
Examples in context
- Señora García, ¿puedo quedarme a dormir en su casa esta noche?Mrs. García, can I sleep over at your house tonight?
- Sr. Rodríguez, ¿podría pasar la noche aquí en su hotel?Mr. Rodríguez, could I spend the night here at your hotel?
- Oye, ¿puedo quedarme a dormir por aquí esta noche?Hey, can I crash here tonight?
- Primo, ¿me dejas quedarme a dormir en tu casa?Cousin, will you let me sleep over at your place?
- Si no hay problema, ¿me puedo quedar a dormir?If there is no problem, can I sleep over?
Example conversation
María is visiting Javier's house late at night.
- MaríaEs muy tarde, ¿me puedo quedar a dormir?It's very late, can I sleep over?
- JavierClaro, María, no hay problema.Of course, María, no problem.
- María¡Gracias! ¿Tengo que llevar algo?Thanks! Do I need to bring anything?
- JavierNo, Javier tiene todo lo necesario.No, Javier has everything necessary.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, dormir, me, quedar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
