What is the difference between "I'm tired" and "I'm sleepy"?nsada" and the other "Hago

Question

Why is one "Estoy cansada" and the other "Tengo sueño"? Do they mean something very different in spanish? Are they used at different times?

Welcome to the forum, :) - 00494d19, Feb 20, 2011

hi, please uaccept and accept paco's answer, thanks:) - 00494d19, Feb 20, 2011

Answer 1

I can only answer the usage that I am familiar with.

"Estoy cansada" Is a phrase I use after a long day of work (to say I am tired) and I want my shower and my glass of wine. (I am not sleepy)

The other "Tengo sueño"" is what my wife tells me when she comes home from her work and wants her "siesta" (she is sleepy).

Your response was very helpful. In english I often say "I'm tired" when I am ready to go to bed. I see that would not be correct in Spanish. Thanks so much! - mariposita0208, Feb 19, 2011

Answer 2

Well, I think it's ovbious, if you are tired because of a hard day or exercise or something, then you are tired, on the other hand if you want to sleep then you are sleepy.

Thank you for your patience as I begin to learn this language. So it would be inappropriate to say "Estoy cansada" if I am referring to heading to bed? I was asking more so for syntax than for definition. Thanks! - mariposita0208, Feb 19, 2011

No, that wouldn't be inappropiate, but it depends on the context or the situation, if you want to sleep you can say "estoy cansada" but that phrase wouldn't work if you are only tired. - Dakie, Feb 19, 2011

Answer 3

Welcome to the forum! I think your question got formatted wrong. Can you clarify what you need help with?

Thanks!

Answer 4

hank you for your patience as I begin to learn this language. So it would be inappropriate to say "Estoy cansada" if I am referring to heading to bed? I was asking more so for syntax than for definition. Thanks! - mariposita02

Welcome to the forum

paco has already given you the answer.

Estoy cansada, I am tired.

Tengo sueño, I want to go to bed