What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb descansa (rest) and the adverb bien (well).
Which one should you use?
While descansa bien is a direct command/wish, que descanses is a very common alternative that functions as a subjunctive wish, often sounding slightly more natural in casual conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase duerme rico is common and translates to "Sleep well" or "Have a good sleep". In Latin America, the phrase que tengas dulces sueños is common and means "May you have sweet dreams".
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form descansa bien when addressing a single person using the informal tú register. Use the form descanse bien when addressing a single person using the formal usted register. Use the form descansen bien when addressing more than one person or when using the formal ustedes form.
Did you know?
- In some regions, descansa is used as a sarcastic remark when someone has been acting lazy or avoiding work, effectively meaning 'keep on resting'.
- The word descansar is conceptually linked to the idea of 'unloading' a burden. It suggests that the person is physically removing a weight from their shoulders to find peace.
- The word bien in descansa bien shares an ancient root with the Latin word 'bonus', which is the ancestor of the English word 'bonus'.
Examples in context
- ¡Descanse bien, señor!Rest well, sir!
- Que descanse bien esta noche.Rest well tonight.
- Espero que tenga un buen descanso.I hope you have a good rest.
- ¡Duerme bien, amigo/amiga!Sleep well, friend!
- Descansa bien y sueña con los angelitos.Rest well and dream with the little angels.
- ¡Duerme rico, hermano/hermana!Sleep well, brother/sister!
- ¡Descansa bien!Rest well!
- Descansa bien, nos vemos mañana.Rest well, see you tomorrow.
- Te ves cansado, descansa bien.You look tired, rest well.
- Es hora de dormir, descansa bien.It is time to sleep, rest well.
Example conversation
Mateo is leaving the house after a long day at work.
- MaríaAdiós, Mateo.Goodbye, Mateo.
- MateoHasta mañana, María.See you tomorrow, María.
- MaríaDescansa bien.Rest well.
- MateoGracias, igualmente.Thanks, you too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
