siesta
/ˈsjesta/feminine
The English phrase 'nap' can be translated into Spanish using siesta. Wiktionary also lists cabezada and motoso.
Meaning: a short period of sleep, especially during the day (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| siesta | /ˈsjesta/ | feminine |
| cabezada | /kabeˈθada/ /kabeˈsada/ |
feminine, informal |
| motoso | /motoso/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The primary word for a short period of sleep, especially during the day, is siesta. You can use the informal phrase echarse una siesta to mean 'to take a nap' or 'to have a nap'. Other ways to express the verb 'to have a nap' include sestear and dormitar.
Which one should you use?
While siesta is the standard term for a nap, cabezada is a more colloquial way to refer to a quick, often unplanned, nap.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Siesta is the feminine noun. Cabezada is an informal feminine noun. Motoso is a masculine form.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsjesta/
Did you know?
- The phrase echarse una siesta uses the verb echar, which means 'to throw'. Literally, you are 'throwing yourself' into a nap.
- The word siesta is actually a measurement of time, rooted in the Latin word for 'sixth' because it traditionally occurred during the sixth hour after sunrise.
- The word cabezada literally translates to 'a little head'. It describes the physical act of the head nodding forward when someone falls asleep accidentally.
Examples in context
- Te echarás una siesta.You will take a nap.This sentence uses siesta.Tatoeba #6633356 by Joffrey, translation #6631639 by Micsmithel
- Voy a echarme la siesta.I'm going to take a nap.Tatoeba #1892432 by Alba, translation #1890992 by CK
- Estoy tomando una siesta.I am having a nap.Tatoeba #1669074 by marcelostockle, translation #1661101 by Amastan
- Me gustaría dormir la siesta después del almuerzo.I would like to take a nap after lunch.
- Mi abuelo siempre toma una siesta por la tarde.My grandfather always has a nap in the afternoon.
- Después de la larga caminata, me voy a echar una siesta.After the long walk, I'm going to take a nap.
- Si no puedo dormir bien de noche, me echo un sueñito por la tarde.If I can't sleep well at night, I take a little nap in the afternoon.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at home on a Sunday afternoon.
- ElenaJavier, ¿tienes sueño?Javier, are you sleepy?
- JavierSí, Elena, voy a dormir una siesta.Yes, Elena, I am going to take a nap.
- ElenaYo también quiero una siesta.I want a nap too.
- JavierPerfecto, nos vemos en una hora.Perfect, see you in an hour.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nap” translations and entries siesta, cabezada, motoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries siesta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
