Forgetting the Stem Change

Past Tense Mix-up

In the present tense, the 'o' in 'dormir' changes to 'ue' for most forms (yo, tú, él, ellos). Think of it as the verb waking up and stretching! For example, 'yo d**o**rmo' becomes 'yo d**ue**rmo'. But 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' stay 'asleep' with the regular 'o': 'nosotros d**o**rmimos'.

The Shape-Shifting Vowel (o → ue)

In some other forms, like the 'él/ellos' past tense ('durmió', 'durmieron') and the present subjunctive 'nosotros/vosotros' ('durmamos'), the 'o' changes to a 'u'. This is a common pattern for verbs like 'dormir' and 'morir'.

The Other Shape-Shift (o → u)

'Dormir' is the general act of sleeping. Adding 'se' ('dormirse') shifts the focus to the moment you *fall* asleep. 'Duermo bien' (I sleep well). 'Me duermo a las diez' (I fall asleep at ten).

Dormir vs. Dormirse

A very common and friendly thing to say is 'Que duermas bien', which means 'Sleep well'. It's a kind way to say goodnight.

Wishing Someone a Good Night

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

This meaning is almost always used with 'se' and another little word like 'me', 'te', or 'le'. The structure is 'Se me durmió el pie' (My foot fell asleep), which literally means 'The foot fell asleep on me'. This shows it's something that happened to you, not something you did on purpose.

It Happens 'To Me'

Common in specific situations, especially when talking about body parts.

Learn the full meaning, usage, and complete conjugation of the Spanish verb 'dormir'. Understand the difference between 'dormir' (to sleep) and 'dormirse' (to fall asleep), including stem changes and examples.

dormir

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations