Spanish Phrase
¿A qué hora te acuestas?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask someone about their habitual bedtime routine. It utilizes the reflexive verb 'acostarse', which literally translates to 'to lay oneself down'. The question focuses on the action of going to bed rather than the exact moment of falling asleep.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing daily habits or routines with friends, family, or colleagues. It is a standard question used to get to know someone's schedule or to plan activities for the following day.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿A qué horateacuestas?
A qué hora
This construction is the standard way to ask 'At what time' something occurs.
Reflexive Pronoun (te)
The pronoun 'te' indicates that the action of the verb 'acostarse' is being performed by the subject on themselves.
Stem Change (o-ue)
The verb 'acostarse' is a radical-changing verb where the 'o' changes to 'ue' in the present tense for all forms except nosotros and vosotros.
🗨In Conversation
¿A qué hora te acuestas normalmente?
What time do you normally go to bed?
Me acuesto a las once de la noche.
I go to bed at eleven at night.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué hora te acuestas?
In Spanish, you must use the preposition 'a' (at) when asking about a specific time something happens.
¿A qué hora tú acuestas?
The verb is reflexive, so you must use the reflexive pronoun 'te' instead of the subject pronoun 'tú'.
↔Alternatives
¿Cuándo te vas a dormir?
When do you go to sleep?
¿A qué hora sueles irte a la cama?
What time do you usually go to bed?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain, bedtimes are significantly later than in the US or UK. It is common for people to stay up until midnight or later, even on weeknights, due to late dinner hours and a more social evening culture.