Understanding the Spanish Verb “Dormir” and Its Usage
In Spanish, the verb for “to sleep” is “dormir.” This essential verb is irregular, meaning its conjugation doesn’t follow standard patterns. Below, we’ll explore its usage, conjugation, and common expressions to help you master it in various contexts.
Conjugation of “Dormir”
Like many Spanish verbs, “dormir” changes based on tense, subject, and mood. Here’s a breakdown of its conjugation in the present indicative tense:
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Yo | Duermo |
| Tú | Duermes |
| Él/Ella/Usted | Duerme |
| Nosotros | Dormimos |
| Vosotros | Dormís |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | Duermen |
Example Sentences:
- Yo duermo temprano. (I sleep early.)
- Ellos duermen hasta tarde los fines de semana. (They sleep late on weekends.)
Past Tense: Preterite vs. Imperfect
In Spanish, the past tense has two forms: preterite (specific actions) and imperfect (habitual or ongoing actions).
Preterite Conjugation:
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Yo | Dormí |
| Tú | Dormiste |
| Él/Ella/Usted | Durmió |
| Nosotros | Dormimos |
| Vosotros | Dormisteis |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | Durmieron |
Imperfect Conjugation:
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Yo | Dormía |
| Tú | Dormías |
| Él/Ella/Usted | Dormía |
| Nosotros | Dormíamos |
| Vosotros | Dormíais |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | Dormían |
Example Sentences:
- Ayer, yo dormí mucho. (Yesterday, I slept a lot.) Preterite
- Cuando era niño, dormía con la luz encendida. (When I was a child, I slept with the light on.) Imperfect
Common Expressions with “Dormir”
Spanish uses “dormir” in various idiomatic expressions:
- Dormir como un tronco: To sleep like a log.
- Dormir la siesta: To take a nap (common in Spanish-speaking cultures).
- No dormir ni un ojo: To not sleep a wink.
- Dormir a pierna suelta: To sleep soundly.
False Cognate Alert: “Sleep” vs. “Dormir”
Be cautious with false cognates! “Sleep” (noun) in English translates to “sueño” in Spanish, not “dormir.” For example:
- Necesito más sueño. (I need more sleep.)
Regional Variations
While “dormir” is universally understood, some regions use colloquialisms:
- In parts of Latin America, “jugar (to play) + al sueño” is slang for sleeping, though it’s less common.
How do you say "I slept well" in Spanish?
+Use the preterite tense: Dormí bien. For "we slept well," say Dormimos bien.
What’s the difference between "dormir" and "sueño"?
+"Dormir" is the verb "to sleep," while "sueño" is the noun "sleep" (e.g., Tengo sueño = I’m sleepy).
Can "dormir" be used reflexively?
+Yes, dormirse (reflexive form) means "to fall asleep" (e.g., Me duermo rápido = I fall asleep quickly).
How do you express "I didn’t sleep" in Spanish?
+Use the negation no with the conjugated verb: No dormí (I didn’t sleep) or No duermo (I don’t sleep).
By mastering “dormir” and its nuances, you’ll effortlessly discuss sleep-related topics in Spanish, whether planning a siesta or sharing bedtime routines. ¡Buenas noches! (Good night!)
