ve a dormir
/be a doɾmiɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'go and sleep' is translated into Spanish as ve a dormir.
You can also use reflexive versions to express the act of falling asleep or going to bed, such as ve a dormirte.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ve a dormir is composed of the imperative ve (go), the preposition a (to) and the infinitive dormir (to sleep).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ve a dormir uses the informal imperative (tú) of the verb 'ir'.
How do you pronounce it?
/be a doɾmiɾ/
Did you know?
- To say someone is 'fast asleep', Spanish speakers use the phrase dormir profundamente or the expression dormir como un lirón, which means 'to sleep like a dormouse'.
- In some Spanish dialects, the phrase dormir en los laureles means 'to sleep on one's laurels'. It is used to describe someone who has become lazy because of their past success.
- The word ve comes from the Latin vāde, meaning 'walk' or 'go'. This is the same root used in the English word 'evade', which literally means to step away from something.
Examples in context
- Por favor, vaya a dormir temprano esta nochePlease go to sleep early tonight
- Váyase a dormir, señor presidenteGo and sleep, Mr. President
- Ya es tarde, ve a dormirIt's late, go to sleep
- Estás agotado, vete a dormir un pocoYou're exhausted, go and sleep for a bit
- Tómate un descanso y duerme un pocoTake a break and get some sleep
- Ya es muy tarde, ve a dormir.It is very late, go and sleep.
- Estás muy cansada, ve a dormir ahora.You are very tired, go and sleep now.
- No pienses más en el trabajo y ve a dormir.Don't think about work anymore and go and sleep.
Example conversation
A father talking to his daughter late at night.
- JavierLucía, ya es hora de apagar la luz.Lucía, it is time to turn off the light.
- LucíaSolo quiero leer un capítulo más, papá.I just want to read one more chapter, dad.
- JavierNo, ve a dormir, que mañana madrugas.No, go and sleep, because you have to wake up early tomorrow.
- LucíaEstá bien, me voy a la cama.Fine, I am going to bed.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, dormir, ve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
