estoy descansando
/estoi deskansando/from spelling rules
The phrase "I am resting" in Spanish is translated as estoy descansando.
You use this phrase to state that you are currently relaxing or taking a break from work or some other activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of estoy, which comes from the verb estar (to be or to be located) and descansando, which is the gerund form of the verb descansar (to rest).
Which one should you use?
While estoy descansando emphasizes that the action is happening at this exact moment, you can also use the simple present form descanso to mean "I rest" or "I am resting" in many contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, you may hear Estoy tirando la flojera to mean "I am lazing around" or Estoy en plan relajo to mean "I am in relaxation mode".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase estoy descansando uses the present continuous tense, which is constructed using the verb estar and the gerund descansando.
Did you know?
- While estoy descansando refers to physical or mental relaxation, the word descanso is also used in architecture to describe the landing between two flights of stairs.
- The verb descansar can be used euphemistically in Spanish to refer to death, as in descansar en paz, which means 'to rest in peace'.
- In Spain, a person might say they are descansando while actually taking a siesta, a culturally ingrained midday nap that traditionally occurs after lunch.
Examples in context
- Estoy descansando después de una larga jornada de trabajo.I am resting after a long day at work.
- Estoy tomando un descanso para recargar energías.I am taking a break to recharge my energy.
- Después de limpiar toda la casa, me estoy dando un respiro.After cleaning the entire house, I am taking a breather.
- Hoy no tengo compromisos, estoy en modo relax.I have no commitments today, I am in relax mode.
- ¿Qué haces ahora? Estoy descansando.What are you doing now? I am resting.
- Ahora mismo estoy descansando.Right now I am resting.
- No puedo ir, estoy descansando en el sofá.I can't go, I am resting on the sofa.
- Estoy descansando un poco antes de cenar.I am resting a little before having dinner.
Example conversation
Lucía calls Daniel to ask if he wants to go for a walk.
- Lucía¿Quieres salir a caminar, Daniel?Do you want to go out for a walk, Daniel?
- DanielNo puedo, estoy descansando un rato.I can't, I am resting for a bit.
- LucíaEstá bien, descansa mucho.That's fine, rest a lot.
- DanielGracias, Lucía. Hablamos luego.Thanks, Lucía. We'll talk later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
