Spanish Phrase
Trato de dormir temprano.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘I try to sleep early.’ It conveys an effort or intention to go to bed at an earlier hour, often for health, work, or study reasons.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about your sleep routine, giving advice about healthy habits, or explaining why you might be tired because you’re still working on getting to bed earlier.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tratodedormirtemprano.
Tratar (present)
‘Trato’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘tratar’, meaning ‘to try’ or ‘to attempt’.
de + infinitive
After ‘tratar’, the preposition ‘de’ is required before an infinitive to express ‘to try to …’.
dormir (infinitive)
‘Dormir’ is the infinitive form of the verb ‘to sleep’.
temprano (adverb)
‘Temprano’ is an adverb meaning ‘early’, placed after the verb it modifies.
🗨In Conversation
¿Por qué estás tan cansado hoy?
Why are you so tired today?
Trato de dormir temprano, pero siempre me quedo despierto viendo series.
I try to sleep early, but I always stay up watching series.
✕Common Mistakes
Trato dormir temprano.
The preposition ‘de’ is required after ‘tratar’ when it’s followed by an infinitive.
Trato de dormir tempranamente.
‘Tempranamente’ is not used as an adverb for ‘early’; use ‘temprano’ instead.
↔Alternatives
Intento dormir temprano.
I try to sleep early.
Procuro acostarme temprano.
I make an effort to go to bed early.
Me esfuerzo por dormir temprano.
I strive to sleep early.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries the traditional ‘siesta’ can make early bedtime less common, especially in summer. Saying you ‘trato de dormir temprano’ often signals a modern, health‑focused lifestyle, and it’s a polite way to explain why you might decline late‑night invitations.