je veux dormir
In French, "I want to go to sleep" is expressed as je veux dormir.
The phrase is used to express a desire to begin sleeping. While je veux dormir is a direct way to state this desire, you can also express the sentiment by focusing on an urge or feeling with j'ai envie de dormir (I feel like sleeping) or j'ai envie d'aller dormir (I feel like going to sleep).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je veux dormir is composed of je (I), veux (want) and dormir (to sleep).
Which one should you use?
The different forms available change the nuance and tone of the request. Je souhaite aller dormir translates to "I wish to go to sleep," which is more formal. J'ai envie d'aller dormir means "I feel like going to sleep" and is used in more informal contexts. Additionally, while je veux dormir is a direct statement of will, j'ai envie de dormir focuses more on the physical urge or feeling of wanting to sleep.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase je veux dormir, the verb vouloir (to want) is conjugated in the first person singular present tense as veux.
Did you know?
- To describe a very deep, heavy sleep, French speakers use the phrase dormir comme un loir. This translates to 'sleeping like a dormouse', an animal known for its long hibernation.
- In French, the phrase faire dodo is used instead of dormir when speaking to children or using baby talk. It transforms the act of sleeping into a cute, repetitive sound.
- If you are extremely tired, instead of saying je veux dormir, a French person might say je vais mourir de sommeil. This translates to 'I am going to die of sleepiness'.
Examples in context
- Je suis vraiment fatigué(e) aujourd'hui. Je veux juste aller dormir et récupérer.I am really tired today. I just want to go to sleep and rest.
- Je suis fatigué, je veux dormir.I am tired, I want to sleep.
- Je veux dormir maintenant.I want to sleep now.
- Je veux dormir un peu.I want to sleep a little.
- Je veux dormir toute la journée.I want to sleep all day.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are at home late at night.
- GabrielJe veux dormir, je suis fatigué.I want to sleep, I am tired.
- EmmaD'accord, bonne nuit Gabriel.Okay, good night Gabriel.
- GabrielBonne nuit Emma.Good night Emma.
- EmmaÀ demain.See you tomorrow.
