contar ovejas
/kontaɾ obexas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "counting sheep" is translated into Spanish as contar ovejas.
This phrase refers to the mental exercise used to help a person fall asleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of the English idiom. contar means "to count" and ovejas means "sheep".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Spanish-speaking countries, the word borregos is used instead of ovejas to refer to sheep.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of counting sheep, you can use the gerund form contando ovejas.
Did you know?
- Calling someone a borrego does not just describe a sheep. In many social contexts, it is a pejorative term for a person who blindly follows others without thinking for themselves.
- While contar ovejas is used for sleep, the verb contar also means 'to tell' a story. This creates a linguistic link between the act of numbering sheep and the act of narrating a tale.
- The verb contar is used in the phrase contar con alguien, which means 'to rely on someone' rather than counting them numerically.
Examples in context
- Cuando no puedo dormir, cuento ovejas para relajarme.When I cannot sleep, I count sheep to relax myself.
- No puedo dormir, estoy intentando contar ovejas.I can't sleep, I am trying to count sheep.
- A veces contar ovejas me ayuda a descansar.Sometimes counting sheep helps me rest.
- ¿Te sirve de algo contar ovejas para dormir?Does counting sheep do anything for you to sleep?
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking in bed because they can't sleep.
- SofíaTodavía no tengo sueño.I'm still not sleepy.
- AlejandroPrueba a contar ovejas, Sofía.Try counting sheep, Sofía.
- SofíaYa estoy contando ovejas, pero no funciona.I am already counting sheep, but it's not working.
- AlejandroQuizás deberías dejar de pensar tanto.Maybe you should stop thinking so much.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
