Spanish word

bostezo

Pronunciation

IPA/bosˈteθo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounyawn

Example

Ella dio un bostezo en la clase.

She let out a yawn in class.

Illustration for bostezo (yawn)

More examples

Intentó contener un bostezo durante la entrevista.

She tried to stifle a yawn during the interview.

Core concept

A reflex action of opening the mouth wide and inhaling sharply.

Common phrases

  • contener un bostezo

    stifle a yawn

  • soltar un bostezo

    let out a yawn

Similar words

sueño: Feeling of sleepiness or the brief state of almost falling asleep.
cansancio: Overall lack of energy caused by prolonged activity or sustained effort.
fatiga: Pronounced fatigue marked by strong weakness after exertion or illness.

Definition in Spanish

Movimiento involuntario que consiste en abrir la boca y respirar hondo, producido por sueño, cansancio o por contagio social.

Word origin

From Spanish bostezar; etymology is unclear but the word likely arose as an onomatopoeic or imitative term for the sound and action of yawning.

Usage tips

  • Bostezo often appears as a socially contagious behavior, and speakers frequently respond with a sympathetic comment about fatigue rather than commenting on the yawn itself.

Opposites

Related words

  • bostezaryawnverb

Word lists with this word