sonambulismo
/sonambulismo/from spelling rules
The English phrase sleepwalk is translated into Spanish as sonambulismo.
sonambulismo is a noun used to describe the condition of walking or performing other activities while asleep.
Which one should you use?
sonambulismo refers to the condition itself, whereas andar sonámbulo is the verbal phrase used to describe the act of performing the movement while asleep.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to refer to the person performing the action, use the noun sonámbulo for a male or sonámbula for a female. To express the action of sleepwalking as a verb phrase, Spanish speakers often use andar sonámbulo.
How do you pronounce it?
/sonambulismo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone a sonámbulo can be a metaphorical way to describe someone who is acting blindly or without much thought in their daily life.
- The word sonámbulo is a compound of the Latin 'somnus', meaning 'sleep', and 'ambulare', meaning 'to walk'. This is a direct cognate to the English 'somnambulist'.
- The word sonámbulo describes not just the act of walking, but can imply any activity performed while unconscious, such as eating or talking, depending on the context of the sentence.
Examples in context
- Mi hermano sufre de sonambulismo ocasionalmente.My brother suffers from sleepwalking occasionally.
- Durante la época de estrés, ella solía andar sonámbula por la casa.During the stressful period, she used to sleepwalk around the house.
- ¿Sabías que algunas personas pueden caminar dormidas?Did you know that some people can sleepwalk?
- El sonambulismo es un problema común en los niños.Sleepwalking is a common problem in children.
- Ella sufre de sonambulismo desde muy pequeña.She has suffered from sleepwalking since she was very young.
- El médico me explicó qué es el sonambulismo.The doctor explained to me what sleepwalking is.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking in their living room about a medical report.
- Elena¿Sabes si es peligroso el sonambulismo?Do you know if sleepwalking is dangerous?
- AlejandroNo estoy seguro, pero deberías consultarlo con un experto.I am not sure, but you should consult an expert.
- ElenaTienes razón, buscaré una cita para mañana.You are right, I will look for an appointment for tomorrow.
- AlejandroEs mejor prevenir cualquier problema de salud.It is better to prevent any health problem.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sonambulismo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
