vete a dormir ya
/bete a doɾmiɾ ʝa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "go to bed now" is translated into Spanish as vete a dormir ya.
This phrase is used as a command to tell someone to go to sleep immediately. While vete a dormir ya focuses on the act of sleeping, you can also use vete a la cama ya if you want to emphasize the physical location of the bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive imperative vete (go yourself), a (to), dormir (sleep) and ya (now/already).
Which one should you use?
There is a subtle difference between emphasizing the action and the location: vete a dormir ya focuses on the act of sleeping, whereas vete a la cama ya focuses on moving to the bed.
How does it change in a sentence?
To command more than one person to go to sleep, you should use the plural form vayan (for ustedes) or id (for vosotros in Spain).
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'going to bed' is tied to the 'siesta', a midday nap that is culturally distinct from the nighttime sleep commanded by vete a dormir ya.
- The word dormir shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'dormitory'.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, instead of saying 'go to bed', parents might use the phrase acuéstate, which literally means 'lay yourself down'.
Examples in context
- Vete a dormir ya, mañana tienes un día largo por delante.Go to bed now, you have a long day ahead tomorrow.
- Ve a dormir ahora, dulces sueños.Go to bed now, sweet dreams.
- Vete a dormir ya, que es muy tarde.Go to bed now, it is very late.
- ¡Vete a dormir ya, niño!Go to bed now, child!
- Si tienes sueño, vete a dormir ya.If you are sleepy, go to bed now.
Example conversation
Alejandro is telling María to go to sleep because she has work early.
- AlejandroMaría, vete a dormir ya.María, go to bed now.
- MaríaPero todavía no tengo sueño, Alejandro.But I am not sleepy yet, Alejandro.
- AlejandroMañana trabajas temprano, así que vete a dormir ya.You work early tomorrow, so go to bed now.
- MaríaEstá bien, me voy a la cama.Okay, I'm 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, ya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
