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pausa

PAH-oo-sahˈpau̯.sa

“pausa” means “pause” in Spanish (a momentary stop).

pause, break

Also: intermission, recess
NounfA1
Mexico
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a winding, continuous path that features a short, empty gap in the middle, symbolizing a momentary stop before the path continues.

📝 In Action

Hagamos una pausa de diez minutos antes de seguir trabajando.

A1

Let's take a ten-minute break before continuing work.

El locutor hizo una pausa larga para generar suspenso.

B1

The announcer made a long pause to build suspense.

Voy a ponerle pausa a la película para ir al baño.

A2

I'm going to put the movie on pause to go to the bathroom.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • descanso (rest)
  • interrupción (interruption)
  • receso (recess/break)

Antonyms

  • continuación (continuation)
  • fluidez (flow)

Common Collocations

  • hacer una pausa – to take a break/pause
  • pausa para el café – coffee break
  • pausa activa – active break (short exercise)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "pausa" in Spanish:

break→intermission→pause→recess→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pausa

Question 1 of 1

Which phrase is the most natural way to tell your friend, 'I need a break'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
pausar(to pause) — Verb
pausado(slow, deliberate) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
causaclausa
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes directly from the Latin word 'pausa', meaning 'a stopping' or 'a rest'. It shares roots with the ancient Greek word 'pausis'. It entered Spanish relatively early and has kept its core meaning over centuries.

First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish texts)

Cognates (Related words)

English: pauseItalian: pausaFrench: pause

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'pausa' and 'descanso'?

'Pausa' refers specifically to a temporary, usually short, stop in action (like hitting the pause button or a 5-minute coffee break). 'Descanso' is a broader term for 'rest' or 'relaxation' and often implies a longer period of inactivity or recovery.

Can I use 'pausa' when talking about stopping a video or music?

Yes, absolutely! Just like in English, you can use 'pausa' to refer to the function or the button itself: 'Dale a la pausa' (Press pause).