tomar un descanso
/tomaɾ un deskanso/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'go on break' is translated into Spanish as tomar un descanso.
You use this phrase to describe stopping work or study for a short period of time to rest. Tomar un descanso is appropriate for both professional work environments and academic settings. Other common ways to express this include hacer una pausa or the informal tomar un break.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tomar un descanso literally translates to 'to take a rest'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use tomarse un receso instead of tomarse un descanso to communicate 'go on break' in formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase tomar un descanso, the verb tomar is used in its infinitive form to express the general action of taking a break.
Did you know?
- While tomar un descanso means 'go on break', the word descanso also refers to the wide flat landing between two flights of stairs.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the midday 'break' is not a quick pause but a long siesta, which historically involved sleeping to avoid the midday heat.
- While many learners use tomar un descanso, you might hear office workers in Spain say tomar un café to mean 'go on break', even if they do not actually drink coffee.
Examples in context
- Necesito tomar un descanso de diez minutos.I need to take a ten-minute break.
- Ellos van a tomar un descanso después de la clase.They are going to take a break after class.
- ¿Quieres tomar un descanso ahora?Do you want to take a break now?
Example conversation
Two colleagues are working in an office.
- MateoLucía, ¿quieres tomar un descanso?Lucía, do you want to take a break?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, estoy muy cansada.Yes, Mateo, I am very tired.
- MateoVamos a caminar un poco.Let's walk for a bit.
- LucíaMe parece una buena idea.That sounds like a good idea.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
