Introduction
The verb dormir means to sleep in English. It is an important verb often used in everyday conversations related to rest, sleep habits, and routines. This verb is irregular in its conjugation, especially in the present tense and other present-related forms.
Present Tense Conjugation
In the present tense, dormir is a stem-changing verb where the "o" changes to "ue" in all forms except the nosotros and vosotros forms. This change affects the pronunciation and spelling.
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | duermo | I sleep | Yo duermo ocho horas. | I sleep eight hours. |
| tú | duermes | you (informal) sleep | Tú duermes muy temprano. | You sleep very early. |
| él/ella/usted | duerme | he/she/you sleep | Ella duerme en su cuarto. | She sleeps in her room. |
| nosotros/as | dormimos | we sleep | Nosotros dormimos poco. | We sleep little. |
| vosotros/as | dormís | you all sleep | Vosotros dormís en casa. | You all sleep at home. |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | duermen | they/you all sleep | Ellos duermen tarde. | They sleep late. |
Preterite Tense Conjugation
In the preterite tense, dormir has a stem change only in the third person singular and plural forms where "o" changes to "u".
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | dormí | I slept | Yo dormí bien anoche. | I slept well last night. |
| tú | dormiste | you (informal) slept | Tú dormiste mucho ayer. | You slept a lot yesterday. |
| él/ella/usted | durmió | he/she/you slept | Él durmió en la oficina. | He slept at the office. |
| nosotros/as | dormimos | we slept | Nosotros dormimos temprano. | We slept early. |
| vosotros/as | dormisteis | you all slept | Vosotros dormisteis en el hotel. | You all slept in the hotel. |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | durmieron | they/you all slept | Ellos durmieron en la playa. | They slept on the beach. |
Usage Notes
Dormir is commonly used with time expressions (e.g., mucho, poco, bien, mal), and also appears in idiomatic expressions related to sleep and rest. It may also combine with reflexive pronouns in certain contexts but primarily is used as a regular verb regarding sleeping actions.
Related Vocabulary
- el sueño – sleep or dream
- la cama – bed
- descansar – to rest
- soñar (ue) – to dream
Using these related words can help build your vocabulary around the theme of sleep.
Summary
Dormir is essential for expressing the action of sleeping, with irregular stem changes in both present and preterite tenses. Practice its forms to communicate effectively about sleeping habits and routines.
