Quién es Duermen?

Question

I need to know if "¿Quién es duermen?" is the proper way to say "Who is sleeping?", or if it is better to say "¿Quién duerme?" and why? ( I already tried the translator.)

Answer 1

Hey Melton,

I've noticed you've had a couple questions regarding the English -> Spanish translation of "is" and difficulty understanding estar vs. ser and why "es" isn't always right in Spanish. Lots of other posters said very lengthy, and technically correct answers, but I can understand how lots of linguistic vocabulary can make your head hurt, especially if you're new to Spanish. So, I'll try my best at it for you...

In English, we always use "is" regardless of whether we're talking about a permanent feature, or a temporary condition. But, in Spanish, they make a distinction between the two using the verbs ser and estar.

When you use the word "es", that's a conjugation of the word ser, which is used to express permanence. Su hijo es muy alto. "His/Her son is very tall." Height isn't going to change anytime soon, so ser is appropriate.

But, if you are talking about an action, or a temporary state, then you want to use estar (which would be esta, like Dugu3b said). Su hijo esta caminando. "His/Her son is walking." He isn't going to be walking forever; it's not a feature or characteristic - it's just what he's doing now.

So, when you're talking about people sleep, it is much more in line with my second example using estar. Saying "Quien es Duermen" sounds like you're asking "Who is Duermen?" as if it were someone's name.

Anyway, I hope this helped! Stick with it - ser and estar don't come easily to English speakers!

Answer 2

Hi, "¿Quién duerme?" or "¿Quién está durmiendo?" is correct.

Why? Because "ser" is used for permanent situations. You can have a look at ser vs. estar lesson. Because when you say Quién es duermen, you say something like Who is sleep? and as you know it doesn't make any sense?

Answer 3

Hi Melton

Instead of guessing why don´t you read this reference page below regarding the difference between these two verbs. Just click on the link below.

Ser and Estar

Answer 4

I prefer ¿Quién está durmiendo? When you use the gerund form of a verb (ing form) it is preceded by the correct form of estar. Makes it easy.

I agree with your response, jake2...using the "ing" form makes conjugation of estar easier; however, would this mean that the proper form would be "¿Quién estan durmiendo?" when asking about a group? - BRamsey, Sep 16, 2010

Answer 5

Unless you mean "¿Quiénes duermen?" (Who [all] are sleeping?)

No, just who is sleeping - melton1995, Sep 22, 2010

Answer 6

OK, I think I am beginning to get some of this now Thanks!