quiero dormir una siesta
/kjeɾo doɾmiɾ una sjesta/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I want to take a nap" is expressed as quiero dormir una siesta.
The phrase is used to express a desire to sleep for a short period of time during the day. You can also use quiero descansar (I want to rest) or necesito recargar energías (I need to recharge my energy) to convey a similar meaning.
Which one should you use?
While quiero dormir una siesta is a standard way to say you want to sleep, you can also use the expression echarse una siesta to specifically imply the act of lying down for a nap. In many Spanish-speaking regions, people use the verb echar instead of dormir to form the phrase quiero echar una siesta.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, it is common to use the verb echar to form the expression quiero echar una siesta.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb phrase echarse una siesta is a common alternative to dormir una siesta when you want to express the act of lying down to take a nap.
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to have a siesta, which is a short nap usually taken after lunch.
Did you know?
- The word siesta actually refers to the 'sixth hour' of the day. It comes from the Latin sexta, marking the time around noon when the sun is highest and people traditionally rest.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the siesta is not just a nap but a structured social break where shops and businesses close for several hours.
- While dormir means 'to sleep', the common alternative echar literally means 'to throw'. In the context of a nap, it is like saying you are 'throwing' yourself down for a sleep.
Example conversation
Javier and María are relaxing at home after lunch.
- JavierTengo mucho sueño, quiero dormir una siesta.I'm very sleepy, I want to take a nap.
- MaríaYo también, Javier. Vamos a descansar.Me too, Javier. Let's rest.
- Javier¿Me despiertas en media hora, María?Will you wake me up in half an hour, María?
- MaríaClaro, yo te despierto.Sure, I will wake you up.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dormir, siesta, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
