Guide: How to Say “No Sleep” in Spanish – Formal and Informal Ways

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “no sleep” in Spanish! Whether you are planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or just curious about the language, knowing how to express this concept is essential. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of saying “no sleep” in Spanish, providing tips, examples, and even a few regional variations. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “No Sleep” in Spanish

In formal situations or when addressing someone with respect, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to express “no sleep” in Spanish:

1. No dormir – This is the most straightforward and literal translation of “no sleep.” It can be used in formal settings, written documents, or when addressing someone with whom you need to show respect. For instance:
   

   El proyecto está retrasado y no podemos permitirnos no dormir hasta que esté terminado. (The project is delayed, and we cannot afford not to sleep until it is finished.)

2. No descansar – Another formal way to say “no sleep” is by using the verb “descansar,” which means “to rest.” This phrase is especially useful when emphasizing the lack of rest or relaxation. For example:
   

   Lamentablemente, no puedo asistir al evento esta noche. No he tenido tiempo de descansar y necesito recuperarme. (Unfortunately, I cannot attend the event tonight. I haven’t had time to rest, and I need to recover.)

3. No pegar ojo – This informal expression is occasionally used in formal contexts and means “not to close an eye.” It carries a similar meaning to “no sleep” and conveys the idea of being unable to sleep. It’s commonly used in Spain. Here’s an example:
   

   Anoche no pude pegar ojo porque tenía demasiado en la mente. (Last night, I couldn’t sleep because I had too much on my mind.)

Informal Ways to Say “No Sleep” in Spanish

In everyday conversations or among friends, you can use more casual expressions to say “no sleep” in Spanish. Let’s explore some informal variations:

1. No dormir ni un ojo – This phrase takes a slightly colloquial tone and means “not to sleep even an eye.” It implies being completely sleepless and can be used among friends or in casual settings. Here’s an example:
   

   Estuvimos hablando toda la noche y no dormí ni un ojo. (We were talking all night, and I didn’t sleep at all.)

2. No echar ojo – A popular expression for “no sleep” in informal Spanish is “no echar ojo,” which translates to “not to throw an eye.” While less common than other phrases, it is still widely understood. Here’s an example:
   

   Ayer estaba tan emocionado por el concierto que no eché ojo en toda la noche. (Yesterday, I was so excited about the concert that I didn’t sleep at all.)

3. No pegar ojo – As mentioned earlier, this expression is also often used in informal situations. It signifies being unable to sleep and is more common in Spain. Here’s another example:
   

   Después de ver esa película de terror, no pegué ojo en toda la noche. (After watching that horror movie, I didn’t sleep at all through the night.)

Regional Variations

While Spanish is spoken across many countries, there are some regional variations in how “no sleep” is expressed. Here are a couple of examples:

• In Mexico, you might hear the expression no dormir nada, which literally means “not to sleep at all.”
• In Argentina, you may encounter the phrase no pegar un ojo, which is similar to the Spanish expression but uses “pegar” instead of “cerrar.”

It’s important to note that these regional variations may still be understood and used across Spanish-speaking countries, but they are more commonly associated with specific regions.

In Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve completed this comprehensive guide on how to say “no sleep” in Spanish. We covered both formal and informal expressions, providing you with various options to fit different contexts. Remember to adapt your choice of expression based on the level of formality required or the regional idiomatic usage. Keep practicing these phrases, and soon you’ll feel confident expressing “no sleep” in Spanish like a native speaker. ¡Buena suerte!