siesta
standard, Mexico
A nap is siesta in Mexican Spanish. To take one you say echarse una siesta or tomar una siesta. A small, cozy one is una siestecita. It is also called siestecita.
Meaning: a short sleep during the day (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| siesta | standard, Mexico |
| siestecita | affectionate |
| echarse una siesta | phrase |
Mexican Spanish favors echarse, which has a relaxed feel: Me voy a echar una siesta.
How does it change in a sentence?
Siesta is feminine. The verb dormir means "to sleep", while la siesta is the nap itself.
How do you pronounce it?
Siesta is said "SYEH-stah".
Did you know?
- The word siesta comes from the Latin sexta hora, the sixth hour of the day, around midday.
Examples in context
- Voy a echarme una siesta.I am going to take a nap.
- Mi abuelo duerme una siesta después de comer.My grandfather naps after lunch.
- Tomé una siestecita en el sofá.I took a little nap on the sofa.
Example conversation
Mónica and her father talk after Sunday lunch in Querétaro.
- MónicaPapá, ¿qué vas a hacer?Dad, what are you going to do?
- PapáMe voy a echar una siesta.I am going to take a nap.
- MónicaYo te despierto en una hora.I will wake you in an hour.
