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How to Say "intermission" in Spanish

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descanso

des-CAN-sodesˈkanso

nounB1theater, concert, or movie screening
Use 'descanso' for a break during a sports match, a theatrical play, a concert, or a movie screening, often implying a longer pause like half-time.
Two uniformed soccer players sitting side-by-side on a bench during a break, hydrating with water bottles.

Examples

El marcador estaba 1-0 cuando llegó el descanso.

The score was 1-0 when half-time arrived.

Aprovecharemos el descanso para estirar las piernas y comprar bebidas.

We will use the intermission to stretch our legs and buy drinks.

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'.

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).

intermedio

een-tehr-MEH-dyohinteɾˈmeðjo

nounB1a break in a performance
Choose 'intermedio' specifically for a break within a theatrical performance, concert, or film, often referring to the interval between acts or parts.
Closed red theater curtains with a bucket of popcorn sitting on a seat in the foreground.

Examples

Compré palomitas durante el intermedio.

I bought popcorn during the intermission.

El intermedio de la obra durará diez minutos.

The play's intermission will last ten minutes.

Aproveché el intermedio para saludar a los músicos.

I took advantage of the interval to say hello to the musicians.

Always Masculine

When referring to a break in a show, 'intermedio' is a masculine noun. You will always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Intermedio vs. Entretiempo

Mistake: “El intermedio del partido de fútbol.”

Correction: El descanso (or entretiempo) del partido de fútbol.

pausa

PAH-oo-sahˈpau̯.sa

nounA1in theater or movies
Use 'pausa' for any short, temporary stop, including a brief break in a theater or movie showing, or more generally when working or studying.
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.

Examples

Hagamos una pausa de diez minutos antes de seguir trabajando.

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

El locutor hizo una pausa larga para generar suspenso.

The announcer made a long pause to build suspense.

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

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

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').

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).

Descanso vs. Intermedio vs. Pausa

Learners often confuse 'descanso' and 'intermedio' as they both refer to breaks in performances. Remember that 'descanso' is broader and can apply to sports, while 'intermedio' is more specifically for the break *within* a show. 'Pausa' is the most general term for any short break.

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