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Italian Phrase

Cerco di dormire presto.

/ˈtʃer.ko di dorˈmi.re ˈpre.sto/
Meaning"I try to sleep early."
💡

Meaning

Literally, “I try to sleep early.” The speaker is emphasizing the effort they make to go to bed before the usual late‑night hour, often for health or work reasons.

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence when you want to explain your intention or effort to adopt an earlier bedtime, especially when discussing habits, health goals, or a change in routine.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Cercodidormirepresto

1

Cerco (cercare)

First‑person singular present indicative of *cercare* meaning “I try” or “I look for”.

2

di + infinitive

After *cercare* (and many other verbs) the preposition *di* introduces the infinitive that follows.

3

dormire

Infinitive of the verb “to sleep”.

4

presto (adverb)

Adverb meaning “early”; it modifies the verb phrase *dormire*.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hai dormito bene ieri?

Did you sleep well last night?

Cerco di dormire presto, ma il mio telefono suona sempre a mezzanotte.

I try to sleep early, but my phone always rings at midnight.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Cerco dormire presto.

    Missing the required preposition *di* after *cercare*.

  • Cerco a dormire presto.

    The preposition after *cercare* is *di*, not *a*.

↔Alternatives

  • Provo a dormire presto.

    I try to sleep early.

  • Mi sforzo di andare a letto presto.

    I make an effort to go to bed early.

  • Voglio andare a dormire prima.

    I want to go to sleep earlier.

it

Cultural Tip

In many parts of Italy dinner is served around 8‑9 p.m., so going to bed early can feel like swimming against the current of social life. Italians who say *Cerco di dormire presto* are often highlighting a conscious shift toward healthier sleep habits, especially among students and professionals who need to rise early for work or study.