Spanish Conversation · Level 61
76 words
Spanish word
descansar
Pronunciation
IPA/deskanˈsaɾ/
Meaning
- verbrest
Example
Necesito descansar.
I need to rest.
More examples
Voy a descansar un rato después de comer.
I'm going to rest for a while after lunch.
Core concept
A short break from activity to relax or regain strength.
Common phrases
descansar un rato
rest for a while
descansar la vista
rest one's eyes
descansar en casa
rest at home
Similar words
relajarse: Loosens muscles and eases the mind into a calm, comfortable state.
dormir: Sleeps to rest the body and restore energy.
parar: Stops movement or activity temporarily.
recuperarse: Returns to full health or energy after illness or fatigue.
Definition in Spanish
Dejar la actividad por un rato para relajarse o recuperar fuerzas, sin implicar necesariamente dormir.
Word origin
Descansar comes from Old Spanish descançar, from Latin cansare 'to tire' with the prefix de-, giving the verb the sense of easing or removing fatigue.
Usage tips
- Commonly used to offer a break (¿Quieres descansar un rato?) and when the speaker specifically means sleep they usually use dormir instead.