andare a dormire
/anˈda.re a dorˈmi.re/word by word
In Italian, 'go to sleep' is expressed as andare a dormire.
The phrase is used to describe the action of going to bed for the purpose of sleeping. A common related expression is è ora di andare a dormire, which means 'it's time to go to sleep'. While andare a dormire focuses on the act of sleeping, you can also use andare a letto, which literally means 'to go to bed'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb andare (to go), the preposition a (to) and the infinitive dormire (to sleep).
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the phrase into a suggestion like 'let's go to sleep', you use the first-person plural of the verb 'andare', which is andiamo a dormire.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /anˈda.re a dorˈmi.re/. The syllable with the stress is the second of five.
When do people say it?
Traditional Italian lullabies are called ninnananne.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase dormire come un ghiro means 'to sleep like a dormouse', which is the equivalent of the English 'to sleep like a log'.
- Using the phrase vai a dormire in a heated argument can be a dismissive way of telling someone they are talking nonsense or should stop talking.
- If an Italian says non dormire sugli allori, they are not talking about sleep, but warning someone not to become complacent after a success.
Examples in context
- Devo andare a dormire.I have to go to sleep.This sentence shows how to express the necessity of going to sleep using andare a dormire.Tatoeba #4369 by Pharamp, translation #1277 by vinhan
- Voglio andare a dormire.I want to go to sleep.This sentence expresses a desire to go to sleep using andare a dormire.Tatoeba #3525481 by Guybrush88, translation #2011674 by CK
- Dovrei andare a dormire.I should go to sleep.This sentence expresses a suggestion or obligation to go to sleep using andare a dormire.Tatoeba #6689294 by Guybrush88, translation #6680145 by Eccles17
- Marco, è tardi, vai a dormire.Marco, it's late, go to sleep.
- Bambini, state calmi e andate a nanna.Kids, stay calm and go to sleep.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are at home late at night.
- LorenzoSei molto stanca, Sofia?Are you very tired, Sofia?
- SofiaSì, vorrei andare a dormire subito.Yes, I want to go to sleep right now.
- LorenzoVa bene, io vado a dormire anche io.Alright, I am going to sleep too.
- SofiaBuonanotte, Lorenzo.Goodnight, Lorenzo.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (andare, a, dormire) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
