dormida
/dor-MEE-dah/
nap
When used as a noun, dormida translates to 'nap,' meaning a short period of sleep.
dormida(noun)
nap
?short period of sleep
,sleep
?the act of sleeping (less common than 'sueño')
rest
?a break
📝 In Action
Después de comer, me voy a echar una dormida de veinte minutos.
B1After eating, I'm going to take a twenty-minute nap.
Necesito una buena dormida para recuperarme del viaje.
B2I need a good sleep to recover from the trip.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Echar'
The phrase 'echar una dormida' is very common. 'Echar' here means 'to toss' or 'to throw,' but in this context, it simply means 'to take' or 'to have' a short sleep.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Dormida' and 'Sueño'
Mistake: "Using 'dormida' when you mean 'dream' or 'sleepiness' ('Tengo mucha dormida')."
Correction: Use 'sueño' for 'sleepiness' ('Tengo mucho sueño') or 'dream' ('un sueño'). 'Dormida' is usually the *act* of taking a short rest.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
'Dormida' is often used to emphasize a temporary or quick rest, like a power nap, rather than a full night's sleep.
When used as an adjective (feminine form), dormida translates to 'asleep,' referring to the state of being sleeping.
dormida(adjective)
asleep
?state of being sleeping
,sleeping
?in slumber
numb
?describing a limb that has 'fallen asleep'
📝 In Action
Mi hermana pequeña ya está dormida en el sofá.
A1My little sister is already asleep on the sofa.
La ciudad parecía dormida a las cinco de la mañana.
B2The city seemed asleep (quiet/still) at five in the morning.
Tengo la mano dormida después de escribir tanto.
B1My hand is numb (asleep) after writing so much.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Mandatory
As an adjective, 'dormida' must match the person or thing it describes. Since it ends in '-a', it is used only for feminine nouns (e.g., 'la niña dormida'). For masculine nouns, use 'dormido'.
Used with 'Estar'
This adjective almost always pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe the temporary state of being asleep: 'Ella está dormida'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Genders
Mistake: "Saying 'El bebé está dormida'."
Correction: The baby is masculine, so you must say 'El bebé está dormido'. The ending must match the noun's gender.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
'Dormida' can also describe things that are quiet, still, or inactive, like a town late at night or a project that has been paused.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dormida
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'dormida' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'dormida' and 'sueño'?
'Sueño' primarily means 'sleepiness' (Tengo sueño = I am sleepy) or 'dream.' 'Dormida' is the noun for the *act* of sleeping or a short rest (a nap).
Can I use 'dormida' to mean 'a full night's sleep'?
While technically possible, it is much more common to use 'una noche de sueño' or simply 'dormir' for a full night. 'Dormida' usually implies a brief or specific period of rest.