siesta
/ˈsjɛs.ta/feminine
The English phrase "siesta" is translated into Italian as siesta. Wiktionary also lists pennichella.
Meaning: an afternoon nap (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| siesta | /ˈsjɛs.ta/ | feminine |
| pennichella | /pen.niˈkɛl.la/ | feminine |
Both siesta and pennichella refer to an afternoon nap. While siesta is understood, pennichella is the much more common term used by Italians for this activity. You may also use the informal term pisolino to describe a short nap.
Which one should you use?
siesta is a recognized term, but pennichella is the much more common, colloquial term used by Italians for an afternoon nap.
How does it change in a sentence?
pennichella is a feminine noun, and its plural form is pennichelle. Both siesta and pennichella are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈsjɛs.ta/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The etymology of pennichella suggests a physical sensation of hanging. It derives from the Latin word pendere, which means 'to hang', as if one is hanging suspended during a rest.
- In many Italian towns, the culture of the pennichella is so strong that shops and offices traditionally close for several hours in the afternoon.
- The word pennichella is a diminutive, suggesting a 'little' nap rather than a long sleep.
Examples in context
- Vado a fare una siesta.I'm going to have a siesta.This sentence shows how to use siesta with the verb to go and do.Tatoeba #842739 by Guybrush88, translation #455893 by lukaszpp
- Dopo pranzo, mi concedo un breve riposo.After lunch, I allow myself a short rest.
- Dopo pranzo, mi faccio un piccolo pisolino.After lunch, I take a little nap.
- Mi prendo sempre una pennichella dopo pranzo.I always take a nap after lunch.
- Nel pomeriggio mi concedo un riposino rigenerante.In the afternoon, I indulge in a rejuvenating riposino [nap].
- Dopo il pranzo, è consigliabile concedersi un breve riposo.After lunch, it is advisable to take a short rest.
- Dopo mangiato, ci facciamo un bel pisolino.After eating, we take a nice little nap.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are talking in the living room.
- MartinaSei molto stanco, Matteo?Are you very tired, Matteo?
- MatteoSì, vorrei fare una siesta veloce.Yes, I would like to take a quick siesta.
- MartinaVa bene, dormi pure un po'.Alright, go ahead and sleep for a bit.
- MatteoGrazie, mi sveglio tra mezz'ora.Thanks, I'll wake up in half an hour.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “siesta” translations and entries siesta, pennichella, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pennichella, siesta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
