descanse
/des-CAHN-seh/
rest
When used as a formal command or request (Usted), descanse means 'rest!'
descanse(Verb)
rest
?formal command or request (Usted)
take a break
?polite suggestion
,have a rest
?encouragement
📝 In Action
Por favor, descanse y recupere energías.
A2Please, rest and recover your energy.
Señora Pérez, descanse un poco antes de la reunión.
B1Mrs. Pérez, rest a little before the meeting.
No se preocupe, descanse tranquilo.
B1Don't worry, rest easy.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Commands
When you want to give a polite order or request to someone you address as 'Usted' (formal 'you'), you use this specific verb form, which looks exactly like the 'yo' form of the present subjunctive.
Negative Commands
To tell someone formally not to rest, you use the same form but add 'no' in front: 'No descanse todavía' (Don't rest yet).
Used in dependent clauses, descanse translates to 'that he/she/it rests.'
descanse(Verb)
that he/she/it rests
?used in dependent clauses after expressions of emotion or doubt
may he/she rest
?formulaic expression of wishes (e.g., 'Que descanse en paz')
📝 In Action
Es importante que la máquina descanse después de un uso prolongado.
B1It is important that the machine rests after prolonged use.
Espero que mi colega descanse durante sus vacaciones.
B1I hope my colleague rests during their vacation.
Que descanse en paz, abuelo.
B2May he rest in peace, grandfather.
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Mood
This is the special verb form (called the present subjunctive) used when the sentence expresses a wish, emotion, doubt, or necessity concerning an action performed by someone else.
Use with 'Que'
You often see 'descanse' after 'que' when the subject of the main action is different from the subject of 'descanse.' Example: 'Yo quiero que él descanse.' (I want him to rest.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Up the Moods
Mistake: "Espero que descansa bien."
Correction: Espero que descanse bien. (When expressing hope or desire, Spanish requires the special verb form, 'descanse,' not the regular present tense 'descansa.')
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: descanse
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'descanse' as a polite command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'descanse' have two different uses (command and wish)?
'Descanse' is the same special verb form (the present subjunctive) that Spanish uses for two purposes: 1) to give formal, polite commands ('Usted, descanse') and 2) to talk about hopes, wishes, or necessities regarding someone else's action ('Espero que descanse'). The context tells you which meaning is intended.
How is 'descanse' different from 'descansa'?
'Descansa' is the regular present tense form (He/She rests) and the informal command (Tú, rest!). 'Descanse' is the formal command (Usted, rest!) and the special form needed when expressing wishes or doubt.