Italian Phrase
Leggi prima di dormire?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Do you read before sleeping?’ It’s a casual way to ask someone about their bedtime routine, specifically whether they read a book, newspaper, or on a screen before they go to bed.
When to use
Use this question with friends, family members, or classmates when you’re curious about their night‑time habits, or when you want to suggest a reading habit as a way to relax before sleep.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Leggiprimadidormire?
Leggi (present tense)
‘Leggi’ is the second‑person singular (tu) present indicative of the verb ‘leggere’ (to read).
prima di + infinitive
The structure ‘prima di’ is followed by an infinitive verb to express ‘before doing something’. Here it introduces the infinitive ‘dormire’.
dormire (infinitive)
‘Dormire’ is the infinitive form of ‘to sleep’; after ‘prima di’ the infinitive is required, not a conjugated form.
🗨In Conversation
Leggi prima di dormire?
Do you read before sleeping?
Sì, leggo sempre un capitolo di un romanzo. E tu?
Yes, I always read a chapter of a novel. And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Leggere prima di dormire?
You need the conjugated form ‘leggi’ for ‘you read’, not the infinitive.
Leggi prima di dormi?
After ‘prima di’ the verb must stay in the infinitive, not conjugated.
Leggi prima di dormire?.
The question mark is fine, but avoid adding a period after it.
↔Alternatives
Ti piace leggere prima di andare a letto?
Do you like to read before going to bed?
Di solito leggi prima di dormire?
Do you usually read before you sleep?
Leggi qualcosa prima di chiudere gli occhi?
Do you read something before closing your eyes?
Cultural Tip
In Italy many people still enjoy a short period of reading before bed, especially novels, newspapers, or poetry. The informal ‘tu’ form (leggi) is appropriate with peers and family, but switch to the formal ‘Lei’ (Legge) when speaking to strangers or older adults. Also, be aware that many Italians now read on tablets or smartphones, so you might hear ‘leggi sul cellulare’ instead of a physical book.