duerme conmigo
/dweɾme kommiɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'sleep with me' is translated into Spanish as duerme conmigo.
This phrase is used to request that someone share a bed for the purpose of sleeping. However, depending on the context, it can also mean having sexual intercourse.
What does it mean word for word?
The word conmigo is a contraction of the preposition con (with) and the pronoun mí (me).
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, duerme conmigo can mean both sharing a bed for sleep and having sexual intercourse, depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form duerme conmigo uses the informal imperative (tú) command.
How do you pronounce it?
/dweɾme kommiɡo/
Did you know?
- The word conmigo is a linguistic double, as it is derived from the Latin mecum, which already meant 'with me'. This makes the literal ancient root of the phrase 'with me with'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using the formal command duerma conmigo instead of the informal duerme conmigo would actually make a romantic or sexual overture sound strangely clinical or distant.
- If you want to avoid any sexual connotation when asking a child or a friend to share a bed, it is safer to use the phrase dormir a mi lado (to sleep by my side).
Examples in context
- No quiero estar sola, duerme conmigo.I don't want to be alone, sleep with me.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing in their bedroom at night.
- MaríaTengo un poco de miedo, duerme conmigo.I am a little scared, sleep with me.
- JavierNo te preocupes, María, estoy aquí.Don't worry, María, I am here.
- MaríaGracias, Javier, te quiero mucho.Thank you, Javier, I love you very much.
- JavierDescansa, mi amor.Rest, my love.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conmigo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
