pausa
/ˈpausa/feminine
The English phrase 'pause' is translated into Spanish as pausa.
pausa is a noun that refers to a temporary stop or rest.
Meaning: temporary stop or rest (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the noun pausa to refer to the concept of a pause, whereas pausar is the verb used to perform the action of pausing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term descanso is common to indicate a pause or break in formal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpausa/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American contexts, dar una pausa can be used colloquially to mean taking a step back to reflect on a relationship.
- The word pausa originates from the Ancient Greek word paûsis, which was used to describe the act of stopping or ceasing.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if you want to request a 'pause' in a conversation to think, you might say un momento, which is much more common than asking for a pausa.
Examples in context
- Mis dedos pronuncian cada palabra, cada pausa y cada acento.My fingers pronounce every word, every pause and every accent.This sentence shows how to use pausa when discussing speech or rhythm.Tatoeba #2084503 by marcelostockle, translation #2084515 by marcelostockle
- En música o hablando, se suele utilizar una pausa para dar efecto dramático.In music or speaking, a pause is frequently used for dramatic effect.This sentence illustrates how a pausa is used for dramatic effect in music or speech.Tatoeba #1439382 by peibolvig, translation #25439 by timmartin
- ¿Por qué pausaste la música?Why'd you pause the music?This sentence shows the verb form of pausa used in a question.Tatoeba #11298986 by DJ_Saidez, translation #11298983 by DJ_Saidez
- Antes de continuar con la presentación, realizaremos una breve pausa.Before moving on with the presentation, we will take a short pause.
- ¡Espera, necesito parar un momento para pensar!Wait, I need to pause for a moment to think!
- Vamos a hacer un alto en el juego para tomar agua.We're going to take a pause in the game to get some water.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are studying for an exam.
- LucíaLlevamos tres horas estudiando, necesitamos una pausa.We have been studying for three hours, we need a pause.
- MateoTienes razón, Lucía. Tomemos diez minutos.You are right, Lucía. Let's take ten minutes.
- LucíaUna pausa corta nos ayudará a concentrarnos mejor.A short pause will help us concentrate better.
- MateoDe acuerdo, Mateo irá a buscar agua.Agreed, Mateo will go get some water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pause” translations and entries pausa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pausa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
