tomar un descanso
/tomaɾ un deskanso/from spelling rules
In Spanish, going on break is expressed as tomar un descanso.
The phrase is used to describe stopping work or study for a short period of time to rest.
Which one should you use?
The term descanso refers to a break or a period of rest, whereas vacaciones is used for much longer periods such as vacations or holidays. Additionally, tomar un respiro serves as a more idiomatic way to express the idea of taking a breather or a very short pause.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tomar un descanso is the infinitive form used to express the action of taking a break. To express the immediate intention of going on break, use the construction voy a tomar un descanso.
Did you know?
- The word descanso is also used in architecture to describe the landing or the flat platform between two flights of stairs.
- While tomar un descanso is common, people in Spain often use the phrase hacer una pausa to indicate a momentary stop in a conversation or a piece of music.
- In some Latin American countries, particularly in a professional setting, a 'break' might be referred to as un receso. This term feels slightly more formal or institutional than the common descanso.
Examples in context
- Voy a tomar un descanso ahora.I am going to take a break now.
- Él se tomará un receso más tarde.He will take a break later.
- Nosotros hicimos una pausa ayer.We took a break yesterday.
- Gracias por permitirme tomar una pausa.Thank you for allowing me to take a break.
- ¿Sería posible tener un descanso de cinco minutos?Would it be possible to have a five-minute break?
- Necesito tomar un descanso de diez minutos.I need to take a ten-minute break.
- ¿Quieres tomar un descanso conmigo?Do you want to take a break with me?
Example conversation
Two colleagues are in a busy office.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿quieres tomar un descanso?Daniel, do you want to take a break?
- DanielSí, Sofía, estoy muy cansado.Yes, Sofia, I am very tired.
- SofíaPerfecto, vamos por un café.Perfect, let's go for a coffee.
- DanielMe 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.
