Spanish Phrase
¿Lees antes de dormir?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Do you read before sleeping?’. The sentence asks about a regular bedtime habit – whether the listener reads a book, e‑book or anything else before going to bed.
When to use
Use this question when you’re chatting about nightly routines, giving advice about healthy sleep habits, or simply making small‑talk with a friend who likes reading before bed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Leesantesdedormir?
Verb conjugation (present simple)
‘Lees’ is the second‑person singular (tú) present form of the verb *leer* and is used for habitual actions.
‘antes de’ + infinitive
The structure *antes de* followed by an infinitive expresses ‘before doing something’. The infinitive stays unchanged.
Question marks
Spanish questions are enclosed by an opening (¿) and a closing (?) mark; never omit the opening one.
🗨In Conversation
¿Lees antes de dormir?
Do you read before sleeping?
Sí, me gusta leer un capítulo de una novela antes de acostarme.
Yes, I like to read a chapter of a novel before I go to bed.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Leé antes de dormir?
‘Leé’ (with accent) is the command form for ‘you (formal) read!’; the correct present‑simple form for a question is ‘Lees’.
¿Lees antes de el dormir?
Do not use the noun *dormir* (sleep) after *antes de*; you need the infinitive verb *dormir*.
¿Lees antes dormir?
The preposition *de* is required after *antes* when it’s followed by an infinitive.
↔Alternatives
¿Sueles leer antes de acostarte?
Do you usually read before you go to bed?
¿Te gusta leer antes de dormir?
Do you like to read before sleeping?
¿Lees algo antes de ir a la cama?
Do you read something before going to bed?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking households, reading before bed is a classic way to unwind, but it competes with other bedtime rituals like listening to radio novelas, watching TV, or scrolling on a phone. The verb *acostarse* (to go to bed) is often preferred over *dormir* when you talk about the moment you lie down, while *dormir* refers to the act of sleeping itself.