dormir un poco
/doɾmiɾ un poko/from spelling rules
To get some sleep in Spanish is dormir un poco.
The phrase dormir un poco is used when you want to express the idea of sleeping for a short period of time. If you are specifically referring to a nap taken during the day, it is more natural to use the idiomatic expression echar una siesta.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dormir un poco literally translates to to sleep a little.
Which one should you use?
While dormir un poco implies a short duration, you can also use dormir un rato to mean to sleep for a while, as they are often used interchangeably. For daytime naps specifically, echar una siesta is the preferred term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Échate un sueñito is used to mean take a little nap.
When do people say it?
To wish someone well, you can say ¡Descanse bien!, which means Sleep well!
Did you know?
- While dormir un poco is general, the specific nap siesta is derived from the Latin word for 'sixth', referring to the sixth hour of the day after sunrise.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of echar una siesta is not just about sleep, but is a traditional social window where businesses and shops close for several hours.
- In Spanish, you can use the verb echar, which means 'to throw', to describe taking a nap with the phrase echar una siesta.
Examples in context
- Voy a dormir un poco.I'm going to get some sleep.This sentence shows how to say you are going to get some sleep.Tatoeba #3533969 by marcelostockle, translation #2543589 by CK
- Querría dormir un poco.I'd like to get some sleep.This sentence expresses a desire to get some sleep.Tatoeba #8881525 by mialiesperantistas, translation #1936480 by CK
- Necesito dormir un poco.I've got to get some sleep.This sentence expresses a necessity to get some sleep.Tatoeba #3265745 by Shishir, translation #2359737 by CK
- Gracias, seguiré su consejo y dormiré lo suficiente.Thank you, I will follow your advice and sleep enough.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro looks exhausted while working at his desk.
- MaríaPareces muy cansado, Alejandro.You look very tired, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, no he descansado nada.Yes, I haven't rested at all.
- MaríaDeberías dormir un poco ahora.You should get some sleep now.
- AlejandroTienes razón, María. Gracias.You're right, María. Thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
