descanso en el trabajo
/deskanso en el tɾabaxo/from spelling rules
The English phrase work break is translated into Spanish as descanso en el trabajo.
A work break refers to a short period of time during the workday when an employee stops working to rest or eat. You can also use the figurative expression Tomarse un respiro to say you need to take a breather. This is useful in both formal and informal situations. If the context of the workplace is already established, speakers often shorten the phrase to el descanso or use la pausa to refer to a short break or a momentary stoppage in activities.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase descanso en el trabajo literally translates to rest in the work.
Which one should you use?
While descanso en el trabajo is the standard way to describe the concept, other forms exist depending on the setting. Descanso laboral, Pausa de trabajo and Receso laboral are all more formal ways to express a work break or a scheduled recess during work hours.
Did you know?
- The word trabajo shares a surprising root with the Latin word 'tripalium', which was an instrument of torture used for three stakes. This suggests the word for 'work' has a grim historical connection to suffering.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the mid-day descanso is significantly longer than in English-speaking countries and may involve returning home for a full meal.
- If you are experiencing a mental or emotional break rather than a scheduled time off, you might say you are quemado, which literally means 'burnt'. This is the Spanish way to describe professional burnout.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría tomar un descanso?Could I take a break?
- ¿Te importaría si me tomo un descanso?Would you mind if I take a break?
- Disculpe, ¿se permite tomar un receso laboral en esta empresa?Apologies, are work breaks allowed in this company?
- Sí, tenemos dos descansos de 15 minutos cada uno, uno en la mañana y otro en la tarde.Yes, we have two 15-minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
- ¡Oye, qué calor hace! Necesito un descansito.Hey, it's so hot! I need a little break.
- Claro, vamos a descansar un rato en la cafetería.Sure, let's take a break at the cafeteria.
- ¡tómate un descanso!Take a break!
- Necesito un descanso en el trabajo.I need a break at work.
- El descanso en el trabajo es muy corto.The work break is very short.
- Aprovecho mi descanso en el trabajo para leer.I use my work break to read.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are chatting in the office kitchen.
- ElenaHola Javier, ¿estás en tu descanso en el trabajo?Hi Javier, are you on your work break?
- JavierSí, Elena, voy a comer algo rápido.Yes, Elena, I'm going to eat something quickly.
- Elena¿Quieres caminar un poco conmigo?Do you want to walk a bit with me?
- JavierClaro, me parece una buena idea.Sure, that sounds like a good idea.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries descanso, el, en, trabajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
