Meaning
To have a short sleep, especially in the afternoon.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the 'siesta' is a sacred part of the weekend, though less common on weekdays in big cities. Shops often close between 2 PM and 5 PM to allow for this break. In Mexico, while the term is used, it is often associated with the 'descanso' after a heavy 'comida' (the main meal of the day). In many interior provinces of Argentina, the siesta is strictly observed, and the streets become completely empty in the afternoon.
The 20-Minute Rule
In Spain, people say a siesta should be 'de pijama, Padrenuestro y orinal' (long) or just a 'cabezada'. For learners, stick to 'echar una siesta' for anything under an hour.
Avoid 'Hacer'
Even if you hear 'hacer la siesta' in some regions, 'echar' is the most widely accepted and 'Spanish-sounding' version. Using 'hacer' often marks you as a foreigner.
Meaning
To have a short sleep, especially in the afternoon.
The 20-Minute Rule
In Spain, people say a siesta should be 'de pijama, Padrenuestro y orinal' (long) or just a 'cabezada'. For learners, stick to 'echar una siesta' for anything under an hour.
Avoid 'Hacer'
Even if you hear 'hacer la siesta' in some regions, 'echar' is the most widely accepted and 'Spanish-sounding' version. Using 'hacer' often marks you as a foreigner.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural verb to complete the phrase.
Después de almorzar, siempre me gusta _______ una siesta.
'Echar' is the standard idiomatic verb used with 'siesta'.
Fill in the missing word.
Voy a echar ____ siesta de veinte minutos.
The indefinite article 'una' is required in this collocation.
Match the phrase to the correct time of day.
When is it most appropriate to 'echar una siesta'?
Siestas are afternoon naps taken after lunch.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres ir al cine a las cuatro? B: No puedo, a esa hora siempre ______.
The context of 4:00 PM fits the siesta schedule.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Siesta Essentials
Place
- • Sofá
- • Cama
- • Hamaca
Time
- • 15:00
- • Después de comer
- • Tarde
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDespués de almorzar, siempre me gusta _______ una siesta.
'Echar' is the standard idiomatic verb used with 'siesta'.
Voy a echar ____ siesta de veinte minutos.
The indefinite article 'una' is required in this collocation.
When is it most appropriate to 'echar una siesta'?
Siestas are afternoon naps taken after lunch.
A: ¿Quieres ir al cine a las cuatro? B: No puedo, a esa hora siempre ______.
The context of 4:00 PM fits the siesta schedule.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, though some regions might prefer 'tomar una siesta' or 'dormir la siesta'.
No, 'siesta' is a feminine noun, so it must be 'la siesta' or 'una siesta'.
'Echarse' is reflexive and emphasizes the act of lying yourself down to sleep. It's slightly more informal and very common.
Related Phrases
Dar una cabezada
similarTo nod off or take a very quick nap while sitting up.
Quedarse frito
informalTo fall fast asleep suddenly.
Dormir como un lirón
builds onTo sleep like a dormouse (very deeply).
