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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.

pausa

PAH-oo-sah

nounfA1
pause?a momentary stop,break?a short rest period
Also:intermission?in theater or movies,recess?in a meeting, court, or school

📝 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)

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'pausa' is always a feminine word, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'una pausa corta' means 'a short break').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Pausa' as a Verb

Mistake: "Yo pausa (I pause)"

Correction: The verb form is 'pausar'. The most common way to express the action is using the phrase 'hacer una pausa' (to make a pause/take a break).

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Hacer' Helper

The most natural way to say 'to take a break' is by combining the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) with the noun: 'Hacer una pausa'.

✏️ 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

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).