ir a dormir
/iɾ a doɾmiɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "go to sleep" is translated into Spanish as ir a dormir.
ir a dormir is used to describe the act of going to bed for the purpose of sleeping.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the verb ir (to go), the preposition a (to) and the infinitive dormir (to sleep).
Which one should you use?
While ir a dormir focuses on the intent or act of sleeping, the related verb acostarse specifically refers to the physical act of lying down in bed.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the informal phrase andá a dormir is commonly used to say "go to sleep".
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ a doɾmiɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish has several distinct verbs for different types of sleep, such as dormitar for napping or dozing, whereas English typically relies on adjectives like 'lightly'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase ir a dormir is often preceded by the ritual of cenar or eating a late dinner, which happens much later than in English-speaking countries.
- The verb ir is a linguistic mosaic. Its present forms come from Latin 'īre' and 'vādere' while its past forms come from the Latin word for 'to be'.
Examples in context
- Me quiero ir a dormir.I want to go to sleep.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal desire to ir a dormir.Tatoeba #2102154 by marcelostockle, translation #2011674 by CK
- Tengo que ir a dormir.I have to go to sleep.This sentence is useful for expressing an obligation to ir a dormir.Tatoeba #4828797 by malevolent, translation #1277 by vinhan
- Solo quiero ir a dormir.I just want to go to sleep.This sentence is useful for expressing that one only wants to ir a dormir.Tatoeba #2164422 by hayastan, translation #2012656 by CK
- Por favor, señor, vaya a dormir temprano esta noche.Please, sir, go to sleep early tonight.
- Estoy cansada. Me voy a acostar temprano esta noche.I'm tired. I'm going to bed early tonight.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking in their living room late at night.
- MateoLucía, ¿quieres ir a dormir ya?Lucía, do you want to go to sleep now?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, estoy muy cansada.Yes, Mateo, I am very tired.
- MateoYo también voy a ir a dormir.I am also going to go to sleep.
- LucíaBuenas noches, que descanses.Good night, rest well.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, dormir, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
