How to Say "sleeping" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “sleeping” is “dormido” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Mi hermano pequeño está dormido en el sofá.
My little brother is asleep on the sofa.
¡No me hables, tengo la mano dormida!
Don't talk to me, my hand is numb (asleep)!
El volcán Popocatépetl se considera un volcán dormido.
The Popocatépetl volcano is considered a dormant volcano.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'dormido' must match the person or thing it describes: 'dormida' (feminine singular), 'dormidos' (masculine plural), 'dormidas' (feminine plural).
Using ESTAR
When talking about someone being asleep right now, use the verb 'estar' (to be in a temporary state), not 'ser' (to be permanent). Example: 'Él está dormido.'
Using SER instead of ESTAR
Mistake: “El niño es dormido.”
Correction: El niño está dormido. You must use 'estar' because being asleep is a temporary state or condition, not a permanent characteristic.
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