descanso
/des-CAN-so/
rest
Descanso meaning 'rest' refers to a period of relaxation.
descanso(noun)
rest
?general state or period of rest
break
?short period away from work/activity
📝 In Action
Necesito un descanso después de caminar tanto.
A1I need a rest after walking so much.
El médico me ordenó descanso absoluto por dos días.
B1The doctor ordered me complete rest for two days.
¿Tomamos cinco minutos de descanso?
A1Shall we take a five-minute break?
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Verb Form
This noun comes from the verb 'descansar' (to rest). If you want to say 'I am resting,' use the verb: 'Estoy descansando' instead of trying to use the noun.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'descanso' and 'sueño'
Mistake: "Using 'descanso' when you specifically mean 'sleep' (sueño/dormir)."
Correction: While rest is related to sleep, 'descanso' usually refers to a waking break or relaxation. Sleep itself is 'sueño'.
⭐ Usage Tips
General Use
You can use this word for physical relief, mental relief, or simply a pause in a daily routine.
In sports, descanso means 'half-time' or the break between periods of play.
descanso(noun)
half-time
?sports games (especially soccer)
intermission
?theater, concert, or movie screening
,interval
?performance/event break
📝 In Action
El marcador estaba 1-0 cuando llegó el descanso.
B1The score was 1-0 when half-time arrived.
Aprovecharemos el descanso para estirar las piernas y comprar bebidas.
B1We will use the intermission to stretch our legs and buy drinks.
💡 Grammar Points
The Specific Break
When referring to a scheduled break during a public event, 'descanso' is treated as a specific event, often preceded by the definite article 'el'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Breaks
Mistake: "Using 'descanso' for school lunch break."
Correction: In school, the break is usually called 'el recreo' or 'el recreo' (recess/break time).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When talking about sports, 'descanso' almost always means the main break between halves, not just a time out.
Descanso can also refer to a 'landing,' the flat platform on a staircase.
descanso(noun)
landing
?flat area on a staircase
resting point
?flat spot on a slope or mountain path
📝 In Action
Dejamos la caja grande en el descanso antes de subir al segundo piso.
B2We left the large box on the landing before going up to the second floor.
El sendero tiene un pequeño descanso natural donde los excursionistas se detienen.
C1The path has a small natural resting point where hikers stop.
💡 Grammar Points
Technical Vocabulary
This meaning is specific to construction or geography. When speaking generally, most people use the more common synonym 'rellano' for a staircase platform.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: descanso
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'descanso' in its architectural meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'descanso' countable or uncountable?
It can be both. If you talk about the *state* of being relaxed, it's uncountable ('Necesito descanso' - I need rest). If you talk about a specific *period* of time, it is countable ('Tomamos dos descansos' - We took two breaks).
How is 'descanso' different from 'fiesta'?
'Descanso' is usually a short pause or period of rest from work or effort. 'Fiesta' means 'party' or 'holiday' (a full day off, often celebrating something).