reposo
/reˈposo/
The Spanish word for steeping is reposo.
In the context of tea or infusions, reposo is used to refer to the period of time the tea is left to steep. To express the action of letting something steep, you would use the verbal phrase dejar reposar.
Which one should you use?
While reposo is the noun for the state of steeping, the verbal phrase dejar reposar is commonly used to mean 'to let steep'. For more specific or formal contexts, you might use Hacer una infusión de to explicitly mention the infusion part of steeping or Macerar when referring to steeping, particularly for alcoholic beverages.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈposo/
Did you know?
- The word reposo is used for steeping because it literally means 'rest'. In Spanish, you are not just soaking the tea but letting the leaves 'rest' in the water.
- While dejar reposar is used for tea, it is also the standard instruction in Spanish recipes for letting dough rise or meat sit before cooking.
- The word reposo is a direct linguistic cousin to the English word 'repose', sharing the same Latin roots regarding rest or stillness.
Examples in context
- Este vino requiere que las uvas se maceren durante varios díasThis wine requires the grapes to steep for several days
- Vamos a hacer una infusión de hierbas en agua calienteLet's steep some herbs in hot water
- Estoy haciendo té verde, ¿quieres una taza?I'm steeping some green tea, would you like a cup?
- Voy a remojar estas hierbas para hacer una infusiónI'll steep these herbs to make an infusion
- Deja reposar el té por cinco minutosLet the tea steep for five minutes
- Para disfrutar de un buen mate, es esencial infusionar las hojas en agua caliente pero no hirviendoTo enjoy a good mate, it is essential to steep the leaves in hot but not boiling water
- Deja la bolsa de té en reposo por tres minutos.Let the tea bag steep for three minutes.
- El té necesita un reposo de cinco minutos.The tea needs a five-minute steeping.
- Deja la hierba en reposo para que suelte el sabor.Leave the herb steeping so it releases its flavor.
- Durante el reposo, el agua cambia de color.During the steeping, the water changes color.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are making herbal tea in the kitchen.
- Alejandro¿Ya está listo el té, Elena?Is the tea ready yet, Elena?
- ElenaNo, todavía está en reposo.No, it is still steeping.
- AlejandroEstá bien, esperaré un poco más.That's fine, I will wait a little longer.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro, pronto estará perfecto.Thanks, Alejandro, it will be perfect soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry reposo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reposo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
