me voy a dormir
/me boi a doɾmiɾ/from spelling rules
me voy a dormir is the Spanish phrase for "I am going to sleep".
This phrase is used to announce that you are leaving to go to bed. You might also use the informal expression Me voy a echar una siesta when you intend to have a nap.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I am going myself to sleep".
Which one should you use?
While me voy a dormir focuses on the act of sleeping, me voy a acostar is another common way to express this idea by focusing on the act of lying down or going to bed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb irse (to go or leave) is used here in its reflexive form me voy to indicate that the speaker is departing for the purpose of sleeping.
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific verb, soñar, for the act of dreaming, but the phrase me voy a dormir can be used colloquially to mean you are ending a conversation or leaving a social gathering.
- The verb voy comes from the Latin vadere, which is the same root used in the English word 'evade'.
- While English uses 'good night' as a farewell, Spanish speakers often say que descanses, which literally wishes the other person 'rest'.
Examples in context
- Ya es tarde, me voy a dormir.It is already late, I am going to sleep.
- Tengo mucho sueño, me voy a dormir.I am very sleepy, I am going to sleep.
- Mañana madrugo, así que me voy a dormir.I have to get up early tomorrow, so I am going to sleep.
Example conversation
A couple talking in their living room late at night.
- Lucía¿Quieres ver una película más, Mateo?Do you want to watch one more movie, Mateo?
- MateoNo, estoy muy cansado.No, I am very tired.
- LucíaEstá bien, me voy a dormir.Okay, I am going to sleep.
- MateoBuenas noches, Lucía.Good night, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, dormir, me, voy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
