ho sonno
In Italian, the phrase "I want to sleep" can be expressed in several ways. The default form is ho sonno.
ho sonno is used to express that you feel sleepy or tired. If you wish to express the active intention or desire to perform the act of sleeping, you should use voglio dormire.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ho sonno literally translates to "I have sleepiness".
Which one should you use?
ho sonno expresses the physical sensation of being sleepy, whereas voglio dormire expresses an active desire or intention to sleep.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I am sleepy" in Italian, you use the verb avere (to have) with the noun sonno (sleepiness) instead of using the verb essere (to be).
Did you know?
- While ho sonno means 'I am sleepy', the phrase mi prende il sonno suggests that sleepiness is an external force overcoming the person.
- The word sonno is a cognate of the English word 'somnambulist' via the Latin 'somnus'.
- The phrase voglio dormire can be used sarcastically to express extreme boredom during a conversation or meeting.
Examples in context
- Sono stanco/a. Voglio dormire.I'm tired. I want to sleep.
- Ti va di riposare un po'? Mi piacerebbe dormire un po'.Do you feel like resting for a bit? I would like to sleep a bit.
- Ho molto sonno, vado a letto.I am very sleepy, I'm going to bed.
- Ho sonno, vado a letto.I am sleepy, I am going to bed.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are watching a movie late at night.
- AlessandroSofia, è tardi e ho sonno.Sofia, it is late and I am sleepy.
- SofiaAnche io ho sonno, Alessandro.I am sleepy too, Alessandro.
- AlessandroSpegniamo la luce allora?Shall we turn off the light then?
- SofiaSì, andiamo a dormire.Yes, let's go to sleep.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sonno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
