en train de dormir
The English word 'sleeping' is translated into French as en train de dormir.
The phrase is used to describe someone who is currently in the state of sleep or to describe something used to produce sleep.
Meaning: used for sleep, used to produce sleep (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, en train de dormir translates to 'in the middle of sleeping'.
Which one should you use?
While the verb dormir means 'to sleep', the phrase en train de dormir is used specifically to emphasize that the action is currently in progress.
Did you know?
- The phrase dormir sur ses deux oreilles literally means 'to sleep on both ears' and is used to describe sleeping soundly and peacefully.
- In French, one does not just 'sleep', but often fait dodo, a childish phrase used with children that is akin to saying 'night-night'.
- The word train in the phrase en train de dormir does not refer to a locomotive, but stems from an old verb meaning 'to drag' or 'to pull'.
Examples in context
- Est-il en train de dormir ?Is he sleeping?Tatoeba #332291 by TRANG, translation #299819 by CK
- Il sera en train de dormir.He will be sleeping.Tatoeba #346987 by Barbiche0, translation #303960 by shekitten
- Je suis en train de dormir.I'm sleeping.Tatoeba #4591998 by sacredceltic, translation #2203803 by CK
- Je dors huit heures par nuit.I sleep eight hours per night.
- Il a besoin de bien dormir pour être en forme.He needs to sleep well to be in good shape.
- La réunion était si ennuyeuse que j'ai somnolé tout le long.The meeting was so boring that I dozed off the whole time.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about their baby.
- LéaChut, le bébé est en train de dormir.Shh, the baby is sleeping.
- LucasAh mince, je vais faire moins de bruit.Oh shoot, I'll make less noise.
- LéaOui, il est enfin en train de dormir.Yes, he is finally sleeping.
- LucasC'est super, on peut enfin se reposer.That's great, we can finally rest.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, dormir, en, train, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
