Spanish word

recreo

Pronunciation

IPA/reˈkɾeo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbreak

Example

Los niños juegan en el recreo.

The children play during the break.

Illustration for recreo (break)

More examples

En el recreo muchos alumnos comen un bocadillo.

At recess many students eat a sandwich.

Core concept

Short pause between activities where people rest or play.

Common phrases

  • en el recreo

    at recess

  • hora del recreo

    recess time

  • jugar en el recreo

    play at recess

Similar words

descanso: Rest period to relieve physical or mental tiredness and restore energy.
pausa: Short interruption of an activity or conversation that is resumed afterward.
intervalo: Officially scheduled break between acts, lectures, or class sessions.

Definition in Spanish

Intervalo breve entre clases u otras actividades destinado a descansar o divertirse.

Word origin

Derived from Latin recreare 'to restore strength' through medieval Latin recreatio, the Spanish noun recreo denotes a brief restorative break.

Usage tips

  • Although it resembles English recreation, recreo normally names a short break (especially at school) rather than broad leisure activities.

Other meanings

  • diversionnoun
  • entertainmentnoun
  • leisurenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word