Dormir vs Acostarse – Sleep vs Go to Bed
This short guide explains when to use dormir and when to use acostarse, with examples and related vocabulary. It helps you talk clearly about sleeping and bedtime routines.
Dormir
Use dormir to talk about the act of sleeping, how long someone sleeps, or when someone sleeps. It focuses on being asleep rather than the time you get into bed.
Examples
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🌙 Anoche dormí ocho horas y me siento muy descansado. | Last night I slept eight hours and feel very rested. |
| 💤 Cuando viajo, me cuesta dormir en hoteles. | When I travel, I have trouble sleeping in hotels. |
| 🌅 Dormí poco y por eso estoy cansado todo el día. | I slept little and that’s why I’m tired all day. |
| 🐶 Mi perro siempre duerme a mis pies en la cama. | My dog always sleeps at my feet on the bed. |
Related Vocabulary
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🛏️ La cama es muy cómoda para dormir. | The bed is very comfortable for sleeping. |
| 🛋️ A veces duermo la siesta en el sofá. | Sometimes I take a nap on the couch. |
| 🕰️ Duermo mejor cuando no pongo alarma. | I sleep better when I don’t set an alarm. |
| 🌙 Me gusta dormir con la ventana abierta. | I like to sleep with the window open. |
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Acostarse
Use acostarse to talk about going to bed or lying down to sleep. It describes the action of getting into bed or preparing to sleep, often part of a routine.
Examples
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🛌 Siempre me acuesto a las diez de la noche. | I always go to bed at ten at night. |
| 📚 Me acosté tarde porque estaba leyendo un libro. | I went to bed late because I was reading a book. |
| 🧼 Antes de acostarme, me lavo los dientes. | Before going to bed, I brush my teeth. |
| 🕯️ Me gusta acostarme con una luz tenue en la habitación. | I like to go to bed with a soft light in the room. |
Related Vocabulary
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🪥 Me cepillo los dientes antes de acostarme. | I brush my teeth before going to bed. |
| 🧴 Uso crema hidratante al acostarme. | I use moisturizer when going to bed. |
| 📱 Evito el móvil antes de acostarme para dormir mejor. | I avoid the phone before going to bed to sleep better. |
| 🧘 Hago ejercicios de relajación antes de acostarme. | I do relaxation exercises before going to bed. |
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Summary
Use acostar(se) to describe going to bed and dormir to describe the act of sleeping. Think of acostarse as the moment you get into bed and dormir as the time you spend asleep.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025