tomar una siesta
/tomaɾ una sjesta/from spelling rules
To have a nap in Spanish is tomar una siesta.
This phrase is used to describe sleeping for a short period of time, typically during the day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tomar (to take), the indefinite article una (a) and the noun siesta (nap).
Which one should you use?
The phrase echar una siesta is also used to mean the same thing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly Spain, the verb echar is used instead of tomar to form the phrase echar una siesta.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I have a nap" in the present tense, you must conjugate the verb tomar to tomo to get tomo una siesta.
Did you know?
- The word siesta is a linguistic relative of the English word 'sextant', as both share roots related to the number 'six'.
- While siesta is globally associated with Spain, many modern Spaniards do not actually take one daily due to long commutes and office hours in big cities.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the siesta is not just a nap but a period of time where shops and businesses close entirely for several hours.
Examples in context
- Me voy a tomarme una siestaI am going to take a nap
- Voy a dormir una siestaI am going to have a nap
- Voy a echarme una cabezaditaI am going to have a quick nap
- Voy a echarme una siestecitaI am going to have a little nap
- Después de almorzar, suelo tomarme una siesta para descansar un pocoAfter lunch, I usually take a nap to rest a little
- El médico me recomendó dormir una siesta diaria para mejorar mi bienestarThe doctor recommended I have a daily nap to improve my well-being
- A veces, solo necesito echarme una cabezadita para recargar energíasSometimes, I just need to have a quick nap to recharge my energy
- Luego de una noche de insomnio, siempre es bueno echarse una siestecitaAfter a sleepless night, it's always good to have a little nap
- Voy a tomar una siesta después de comer.I am going to have a nap after eating.
- Voy a tomar una siesta.I am going to have a nap.
- Después de comer, quiero tomar una siesta.After eating, I want to have a nap.
- Es bueno tomar una siesta por la tarde.It is good to have a nap in the afternoon.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are relaxing at home on a Sunday afternoon.
- DanielEstoy muy cansado, Elena.I am very tired, Elena.
- ElenaEntonces, puedes tomar una siesta.Then, you can have a nap.
- DanielSí, voy a tomar una siesta ahora.Yes, I am going to have a nap now.
- ElenaQue descanses, Daniel.Rest well, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tomar una siesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
