Signification
To pause from an activity to rest or relax.
Contexte culturel
The 'siesta' is the ultimate 'descanso'. While not everyone sleeps, many businesses close between 2 PM and 5 PM to allow for a long lunch and rest. The 'merienda' (afternoon snack) is a sacred time to take a break around 5 PM or 6 PM, usually with mate and pastries. In modern Mexican offices, 'tomar un break' is very common due to the influence of American English, but 'tomar un descanso' remains the proper form. The 'cafecito' is the primary excuse to take a break. It's social and happens multiple times a day.
Use the article
Always remember the 'un'. Saying 'tomar descanso' sounds like Tarzan Spanish.
Spain vs LatAm
In Spain, 'hacer un descanso' is very common. In Latin America, 'tomar' is king.
Signification
To pause from an activity to rest or relax.
Use the article
Always remember the 'un'. Saying 'tomar descanso' sounds like Tarzan Spanish.
Spain vs LatAm
In Spain, 'hacer un descanso' is very common. In Latin America, 'tomar' is king.
Reflexive for flavor
Use 'Me voy a tomar un descanso' to sound more like a native speaker. It sounds more personal.
Socializing
If someone says 'tomemos un descanso', expect to talk, not just sit in silence.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'tomar'.
Nosotros estamos muy cansados, ________ un descanso ahora.
The subject is 'nosotros', so the verb must end in '-amos'.
Which is the most natural way to ask for a break?
¿Podemos...?
'Tomar un descanso' is the standard collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Llevo 4 horas estudiando. B: ________.
It is the logical advice for someone who has been studying for a long time.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are at the gym and can't breathe.
You need rest, not a coffee or a book.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Regional Variations
Latin America
- • Tomar un descanso
- • Tomar un break
Spain
- • Hacer un descanso
- • Echarse una siesta
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNosotros estamos muy cansados, ________ un descanso ahora.
The subject is 'nosotros', so the verb must end in '-amos'.
¿Podemos...?
'Tomar un descanso' is the standard collocation.
A: Llevo 4 horas estudiando. B: ________.
It is the logical advice for someone who has been studying for a long time.
You are at the gym and can't breathe.
You need rest, not a coffee or a book.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIt is common in informal Spanglish, but avoid it in formal writing or exams.
'Descansar' is the verb (to rest). 'Tomar un descanso' is the action of initiating a break period.
No, for long periods use 'vacaciones' or 'un año sabático'.
Usually 'un' (a break). Use 'el' only if you are referring to a specific, pre-scheduled break.
You can say 'un descanso para el café' or simply 'un cafecito'.
Expressions liées
Darse un respiro
similarTo give oneself a breather
Hacer una pausa
synonymTo make a pause
Echarse una siesta
specialized formTo take a nap
Desconectar
builds onTo disconnect/unplug
Vacaciones
contrastVacation
