hora de dormir
/oɾa de doɾmiɾ/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "time to go to bed" is hora de dormir.
Other ways to express this include es hora de ir a la cama, which is a more literal way of saying it is time to go to the physical bed and Vamos a dormir, which is an informal way to say "Let's go to sleep."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hora de dormir literally translates to "hour of sleeping".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Es hora de dormir is used to mean "It's time to sleep".
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾa de doɾmiɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the transition to hora de dormir happens much later than in the US or UK, often after 10 PM for adults.
- In some regions, instead of ir a la cama, parents use the phrase a la camita, adding a diminutive suffix to make it sound more affectionate for children.
- The verb dormir is related to the English word 'dormitory', which is a place designed specifically for sleeping.
Examples in context
- Ya es hora de dormir.It's time to go to bed.Tatoeba #356721 by tatoerique, translation #31220 by CK
- Es hora de dormir para los niños.It is time for the children to go to bed.
- Mañana hay que madrugar, es hora de dormir.We have to wake up early tomorrow, it is time to go to bed.
Example conversation
A mother talking to her son late at night.
- ElenaDaniel, ya es hora de dormir.Daniel, it is time to go to bed.
- DanielPero mamá, solo cinco minutos más.But mom, just five more minutes.
- ElenaNo, es hora de dormir ahora mismo.No, it is time to go to bed right now.
- DanielEstá bien, me voy a la cama.Okay, I am going to bed.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
