French Verb 'dormir': Complete Guide to Meaning, Conjugation & Usage

As you delve into the world of French, one verb that's sure to help you catch some Z's is "dormir". This fundamental verb means both "to sleep" and "to be asleep", making it a crucial tool for any French learner. Understanding how to use "dormir" effectively will have you sleeping like a baby in no time.

What Does 'dormir' Mean in French?

While the literal translation of "dormir" is indeed "to sleep", this verb can also convey the idea of being asleep or, more poetically, being in a state of repose. In some cases, "dormir" can even imply a sense of exhaustion or fatigue.

Conjugation of 'dormir'

Pronoun	Present	Passé composé	Futur simple
J'	dorms	eus dormi	dormirai
Tu	dors	t-es dormi	dorras
Il/Elle/On	dort	a dormi	dormra
Nous	dormons	nous avons dormi	dormirons
Vous	dormez	dormrez
Ils/Elles

How to Use 'dormir' in a Sentence

• J'ai dormi tard hier soir. I slept in late last night.
• Elle dort depuis des heures. She's been asleep for hours.
• Je vais dormir une heure d'ici. I'm going to sleep for an hour from now.
• Ils dorment tous les jours. They all sleep every day.
• J'ai bien dormi ce soir. I slept well tonight.
• Le bébé dort dans son lit. The baby is sleeping in his bed.

Common Expressions and Phrases with 'dormir'

• Dormir comme un bébé! To sleep like a baby! (to sleep soundly)
• J'ai dormi comme une bête. I slept like the dead.
• Il faut dormir pour se ressourcer. One needs to sleep to recharge.
• J'ai besoin de dormir un peu. I need a bit of sleep.
• Dormir est essentiel pour la santé. Sleep is essential for health.

Tips for Remembering 'dormir'

• Create flashcards with the present tense conjugation and practice recalling the verb forms.
• Use mnemonic devices to help you remember the past tense conjugation, such as associating "eus dormi" with a silly phrase like "I used to sleep in my sousie" (sousie = pajamas).
• PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! The more you use "dormir" in sentences and conversations, the more natural it will become.

Practice the verb dormir on My-French.com