tomar una siesta
/tomaɾ una sjesta/from spelling rules
To take a nap in Spanish is tomar una siesta. Wiktionary also lists sestear.
Meaning: sleep briefly (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tomar una siesta | /tomaɾ una sjesta/ (from spelling rules) |
| sestear | /sesteˈaɾ/ |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tomar una siesta is a literal translation of 'to take a nap', where tomar means 'to take' and siesta means 'nap'.
Which one should you use?
Sestear is a single-word verb meaning 'to nap', whereas tomar una siesta is a periphrastic verbal phrase.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the phrase echarse una siesta to mean 'to take a nap'. In Spain, it is common to use the verb pegar with una cabezadita to express taking a quick nap.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase tomar una siesta, the noun siesta is feminine and must be preceded by the feminine article una.
Did you know?
- The word siesta actually refers to the 'sixth hour' of the day. It is derived from the Latin word sexta, which historically marked the time around noon.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the siesta is not just a nap but a structured social break. Many small towns traditionally close all shops and businesses for several hours in the afternoon.
- In Mexico, the phrase echarse una siesta uses the verb echarse, which means 'to throw oneself'. This implies a more sudden or relaxed collapse into bed than the English 'take'.
Examples in context
- Me quiero tomar una siesta.I want to take a nap.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to tomar una siesta.Tatoeba #10327421 by DJ_Saidez, translation #3374722 by CK
- Estoy muy cansado, voy a dormir una cabezadita en el sofá.I'm very tired, I'm going to take a little nap on the couch.
- Después de la comida, es hora de echarse una siesta.After lunch, it's time to take a nap.
- Después de comer, me voy a pegar una cabezadita en el sofá.After eating, I'm going to take a quick nap on the couch.
- Voy a tomar una siesta después de comer.I am going to take a nap after eating.
- ¿Quieres tomar una siesta antes de salir?Do you want to take a nap before going out?
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at home on a Sunday afternoon.
- ElenaTengo mucho sueño, voy a tomar una siesta.I am very sleepy, I'm going to take a nap.
- AlejandroEstá bien, Elena, descansa un poco.That's fine, Elena, rest a bit.
- Elena¿Tú también vas a tomar una siesta?Are you going to take a nap too?
- AlejandroNo, yo prefiero leer un libro.No, I prefer to read a book.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “take a nap” translations and entries tomar una siesta, sestear, 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 sestear, siesta, tomar, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
