acuéstate ahora
/akwestate aoɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "lay down now" can be translated into Spanish as acuéstate ahora.
This phrase is used as a command telling someone to get into a horizontal position on a bed or floor immediately.
What does it mean word for word?
The command acuéstate is a reflexive verb that literally means "lay yourself down".
Which one should you use?
You can also use Échate ahora for an informal command. If you are addressing someone intimately or affectionately, Recuéstate ahora is an appropriate informal option. For a more technical or descriptive approach, the formal option Póngase en posición horizontal ahora means "get into a horizontal position now".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are telling more than one person to lay down now, use the plural form acuéstense ahora.
Did you know?
- The expression Échate is a very common, informal way to tell someone to lie down, using a verb that literally means 'to throw'.
- The word ahora is actually a contraction of the Latin phrase hāc hōrā, which means 'at this hour'.
- Spanish has several distinct verbs for lying down, such as acostarse, echarse and recostarse, depending on the intended comfort and posture.
Examples in context
- Por favor, acuéstese ahora para que pueda examinarlo adecuadamente.Please, lay down now so I can examine you properly.
- Estoy cansado, acuéstate ahora y duérmete.I'm tired, go lay down now and go to sleep.
- Recuéstate ahora y relajémonos juntos.Lay down now and let's relax together.
- Acuéstate ahora si te sientes mal.Lay down now if you feel unwell.
- Acuéstate ahora, estás muy cansada.Lay down now, you are very tired.
- Por favor, acuéstate ahora para descansar.Please, lay down now to rest.
Example conversation
Mateo is looking after Maria, who is feeling ill.
- MateoMaría, te ves muy pálida.Maria, you look very pale.
- MaríaMe duele mucho la cabeza.My head hurts a lot.
- MateoAcuéstate ahora en la cama.Lay down now on the bed.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo, lo haré.Thank you, Mateo, I will.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ahora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
