Today’s Spanish word of the day is “trasnochar”.
It’s a verb meaning to stay up late at night, or to stay up all night. There isn’t a single word that means this in English, but it expresses a similar concept to “burning the midnight oil” or “pulling an all-nighter”.
The word “trasnochar” is derived from the prefix “tras-“, meaning “beyond”, and the word “noche”, meaning “night”.
The etymology reflects how you are going beyond the normal boundaries of the night by staying up so late.
Example Sentences
Beginner
Here are some example sentences at beginner (A1/A2) level:
¿Por qué trasnochaste tanto? ¡Ahora tienes unas ojeras enormes!
Why did you stay up so late? Now you have huge bags under your eyes!
¡Anoche trasnochamos hasta las 4 de la mañana! ¿Puedes creerlo?
Last night, we stayed up to 4 AM! Can you believe it?
Ayer, trasnoché porque tenía que terminar un proyecto importante.
Last night, I stayed up late because I had to finish an important project.
Intermediate
Here are some example sentences at intermediate (B1/B2) level:
Durante los períodos de exámenes, a menudo me veo obligado a trasnochar para poder estudiar todo el material que se requiere.
During exam periods, I often find myself forced to stay up late in order to study all the required material.
Vamos a trasnochar un poco más y ver si encontramos alguna película interesante en la televisión.
Let’s stay up a bit longer and see if we find any interesting movies on TV.
El escritor se encontraba en su estudio trasnochando, buscando inspiración para su próxima novela.
The writer was in his study staying up late, seeking inspiration for his next novel.
Advanced
Here are some example sentences at advanced (C1/C2) level:
Absorta en su investigación, la científica trasnochaba, sus ojos enrojecidos reflejando una determinación inquebrantable.
Absorbed in her research, the scientist stayed up late, her reddened eyes reflecting an unwavering determination.
Sé que te empeñas en avanzar a toda costa, pero trasnochar noche tras noche terminará pasándote factura.
I know you’re determined to forge ahead at all costs, but staying up late night after night will eventually catch up with you.
La noche se cernía sobre Juan, quien sabía que debía trasnochar si quería descubrir la verdad detrás del enigma que había perturbado su mente desde hacía semanas.
The night loomed over Juan, who knew he had to stay up late if he wanted to uncover the truth behind the enigma that had been haunting his mind for weeks.
