siesta
/ˈsjesta/feminine
The Spanish word for kip is siesta.
siesta is a feminine noun used to mean a sleep, snooze or nap. While siesta is the noun, the most common way to express the action of taking a nap is the verbal phrase echar una siesta. If you want to refer to the general act of sleeping, use the verb dormir or use descansar which primarily means to rest but can also encompass the idea of taking a nap or having a sleep.
Meaning: sleep, snooze, nap (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of siesta is siestas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsjesta/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a siesta refers to a traditional mid-day rest period, often occurring during the hottest part of the day.
Did you know?
- The term siesta is a cognate of the English word 'sextant', as both share a root relating to the number six.
- If you say you are going to 'echar una siesta', you are literally saying you are going to 'throw a siesta'.
- While siesta is the standard term, some regions use cabezolada to describe a very brief, unintentional nap where one's head literally drops.
Examples in context
- ¡Siento que me queda un poco de sueño! ¡Voy a echarme una siesta rápida para coger fuerzas!I still feel a bit sleepy! I'm going to take a quick nap to recharge!
- Voy a echar una siesta.I am going to take a nap.
- Necesito una siesta corta.I need a short nap.
- La siesta es muy necesaria.A nap is very necessary.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking in the living room.
- SofíaTengo mucho sueño, Mateo.I am very sleepy, Mateo.
- MateoPuedes tomar una siesta ahora.You can take a nap now.
- SofíaSí, una siesta me vendría bien.Yes, a kip would do me good.
- MateoDescansa un rato entonces.Rest for a while then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kip” translations and entries siesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries siesta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
