va dormir
va dormir is the French phrase for go to sleep.
This phrase is used to tell someone to go to bed in order to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb aller (to go) in the imperative form and the infinitive dormir (to sleep).
Which one should you use?
While va dormir focuses on the act of sleeping, the phrase va te coucher is more commonly used to tell someone to go to bed, referring to the physical act of lying down.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
va dormir uses the tu imperative, making it appropriate for use with children, friends or family members. For a formal expression, you can use Endormez-vous. The phrase va te coucher is an informal way to tell someone to go to sleep.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to more than one person or using the formal vous, you must use allez dormir instead of va dormir.
Did you know?
- French has a specific expression dormir sur ses deux oreilles, which means to sleep soundly and without worry.
- While va dormir is a command, the French also use the phrase faire dodo as baby talk for 'going to sleep'.
- The English word 'dormitory' is a direct relative of the French dormir, sharing the same linguistic ancestor related to the act of sleeping.
Examples in context
- Va dormir, Tom.Go to sleep, Tom.This sentence shows how to use va dormir when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #7610109 by Micsmithel, translation #2648829 by CK
- Va dormir !Go to sleep.This sentence shows the use of va dormir as a direct command.Tatoeba #679463 by Paiooooo, translation #453530 by saasmath
- Chère madame, il est important que vous vous endormiez pour être reposée demain.Dear madam, it is important that you go to sleep to be well-rested tomorrow.
- Allez, c'est tard ! Va te coucher maintenant.Come on, it's late! Go to sleep now.
- Il est tard, va dormir maintenant.It is late, go to sleep now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother telling her son it is time for bed.
- LéaLucas, il est l'heure de se coucher.Lucas, it is time to go to bed.
- LucasMais je ne suis pas fatigué !But I am not tired!
- LéaNe discute pas, va dormir.Don't argue, go to sleep.
- LucasD'accord, maman.Okay, mom.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
