How to Say "Hibernate" in Spanish

hibernar

/ibeɾˈnaɾ/

The Spanish verb for "hibernate" is hibernar. Wiktionary also lists hibernizar (DPD).

Meaning: spend winter time in a dormant or inactive state (verb)

Ways to say it

“hibernate” in Spanish
Spanish	IPA	Note
hibernar	/ibeɾˈnaɾ/
hibernizar (DPD)		nonstandard

This verb is used to describe the act of spending the winter time in a dormant or inactive state.

/ibeɾˈnaɾ/

Because hibernar is a highly technical term, if you use it to describe yourself being lazy or tired during winter, a native speaker will likely find it humorous or overly formal.
The word hibernar has a close relative in Spanish called invernar. While both refer to spending the winter, invernar is more common when talking about people spending a season in a warmer climate.
Unlike English, where 'hibernate' is almost exclusively for animals or computers, the Spanish hibernar can sometimes be used in poetic literature to describe a period of emotional or creative stagnation.

Hace frío. Quiero hibernar.
It's cold. I want to hibernate.
This sentence illustrates the use of hibernar when expressing a desire to hibernate because of the cold.
Tatoeba #10267008 by Seael, translation #4864338 by jarbv
Muchos animales pasan el invierno en letargo para sobrevivir.
Many animals spend the winter in lethargy to survive.
Me siento tan agotado que solo quiero dormir como un oso.
I feel so exhausted that I just want to sleep like a bear.
Los osos suelen hibernar en invierno.
Bears usually hibernate in winter.
Es necesario hibernar para sobrevivir al frío.
It is necessary to hibernate to survive the cold.

Sofía and Javier are looking at a nature documentary.

Sofía

¿Dónde están los osos ahora?
Where are the bears now?
Javier

Están en sus cuevas para hibernar.
They are in their caves to hibernate.
Sofía

Qué sueño deben tener.
They must be so sleepy.
Javier

Sí, dormirán muchos meses.
Yes, they will sleep for many months.

Sources

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