ir a dormir
/iɾ a doɾmiɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "going to bed" is translated into Spanish as ir a dormir.
ir a dormir is used to describe the act of going to sleep for the night.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ir a dormir literally translates to "to go to sleep".
Which one should you use?
While ir a dormir focuses on the act of sleeping, the reflexive verb acostarse is more commonly used to describe the physical act of lying down in bed.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people often use the phrase Me voy a la cama to mean "I am going to bed".
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ a doɾmiɾ/
Did you know?
- If you want to say you are going to bed in a more casual way in Spain, you might say Me voy al sobre, which literally means 'I am going to the envelope'.
- The Spanish verb ir is a linguistic puzzle because its different forms come from three separate Latin verbs: īre, vādere and esse.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the process of 'going to bed' is often preceded by a sobremesa, a long period of socializing at the table after a meal.
Examples in context
- Convertí en una norma leer antes de ir a dormir.I make it a rule to read before going to bed.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ir a dormir when discussing daily habits.Tatoeba #854349 by Ragal, translation #258767 by CK
- Tienes que cepillarte los dientes antes de ir a dormir.You need to brush your teeth before going to bed.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ir a dormir when talking about nighttime routines.Tatoeba #994410 by hundo, translation #9400798 by DJ_Saidez
- Estoy muy cansado y quiero ir a dormir.I am very tired and I want to go to sleep.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking in the living room late at night.
- Lucía¿Ya es hora de ir a dormir, Mateo?Is it time to go to sleep already, Mateo?
- MateoSí, Lucía, tengo mucho sueño.Yes, Lucía, I am very sleepy.
- LucíaYo también, mañana será un día largo.Me too, tomorrow will be a long day.
- MateoBuenas noches, descansa.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.
