What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ¿cómo dormiste? literally translates to "how did you sleep?"
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on how many people you are addressing and the level of formality. While ¿cómo dormiste? is the standard way to ask a single person, you should use ¿cómo durmió? when addressing someone formally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, especially Mexico, people often use ¿Cómo has amanecido?, which means "How did you wake up?" In Spain, ¿Qué tal descansaste? is a common way to ask someone about their sleep.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask more than one person how they slept, use the plural form ¿cómo durmieron? When speaking to someone you address with usted (formal you), use the form ¿cómo durmió? instead of ¿cómo dormiste?
When do people say it?
A common and natural way to respond to this question is Bien, gracias (Well, thanks).
Did you know?
- The word cómo descends from the Latin 'cōmō̆', which was originally a non-literary or colloquial version of the formal word 'quōmodo'.
- While 'sleep' is a noun in the English phrase, Spanish avoids the noun sueño because it can also mean 'dream' or 'sleepiness'.
- In Mexico and many Latin American countries, you might hear ¿Cómo has amanecido?, which translates to 'How have you dawned?' It focuses on the moment of waking up at dawn rather than the act of sleeping itself.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola! ¿Cómo dormiste?Hi! How did you sleep?
- Buenos días. ¿Cómo descansó?Good morning. How did you rest?
- ¿Cómo dormiste? Espero que hayas descansado bien.How did you sleep? I hope you rested well.
- ¡Buenos días! ¿Cómo dormiste?Good morning! How did you sleep?
- Hola, ¿cómo dormiste?Hello, how did you sleep?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are having breakfast at home.
- AlejandroBuenos días, Elena. ¿Cómo dormiste?Good morning, Elena. How did you sleep?
- ElenaMuy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?Very well, thanks. And you?
- AlejandroDormí de maravilla.I slept wonderfully.
- ElenaMe alegro mucho.I am very glad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
