descansa
/des-CAN-sah/
rests
“Descansa” means “He/she/it rests.” This dog is resting deeply.
descansa(verb)
rests
?He/she/it rests
,is resting
?Continuous action
takes a break
?Referring to a third person
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo siempre descansa después de almorzar.
A1My grandfather always rests after lunch.
La máquina descansa un momento antes de seguir.
A2The machine rests for a moment before continuing.
¿Usted descansa lo suficiente para estar saludable?
A1Do you (formal) rest enough to be healthy?
💡 Grammar Points
The 'He/She/It' Form
This is the standard form of the verb 'descansar' used when the subject is 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), 'eso' (it), or 'usted' (formal you). It describes a current or habitual action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Usted'
Remember that 'usted' (formal you) uses the same verb ending as 'él' and 'ella'. So, 'usted descansa' means 'you rest' (formal).
When used as an informal command, “Descansa” means “Rest!”
📝 In Action
Estás muy cansado, descansa un poco.
A2You are very tired, rest a little.
¡Descansa! Yo me encargo del resto.
B1Rest! I'll take care of the rest.
Si te duele la pierna, descansa y no juegues hoy.
A2If your leg hurts, rest and don't play today.
💡 Grammar Points
The Informal Command
When you tell an informal 'you' ('tú') to do something, the verb form is often the same as the 'él/ella' present tense. So, 'descansa' means both 'he/she rests' and 'Rest! (you, informal)'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Commands
Mistake: "Using 'descanse' when talking to a friend."
Correction: Use 'descansa' for informal friends and family. 'Descanse' is reserved for formal commands (to 'usted').
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding Emphasis
In speech, the command '¡Descansa!' is usually said with a strong, rising tone to show it's an instruction.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: descansa
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'descansa' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'descansa' means 'he rests' or 'rest!'?
You can tell by the context and punctuation. If it's a command, it will usually start the sentence, be directed at the person you are talking to, and often end with an exclamation mark (¡Descansa!). If it means 'he/she rests,' it will follow the subject (Él descansa) or be used within a statement.