Inklingo

How to Say "intermission" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “intermission” is “descanso” — use 'descanso' specifically for the break period during a theater performance, concert, or movie screening, often referred to as 'half-time' in sports..

English → Spanish

descanso

/des-CAN-so//desˈkanso/

nounB1theater, concert, movie screening
Use 'descanso' specifically for the break period during a theater performance, concert, or movie screening, often referred to as 'half-time' in sports.
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).

pausa

/PAH-oo-sah//ˈpau̯.sa/

nounA1theater, movies
Use 'pausa' for a general, short break taken during any activity, including theater or movies, or even during work or study.
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. Pausa

Learners often confuse 'descanso' and 'pausa' because 'pausa' can be used for any short break. Remember that 'descanso' is the specific term for the official break in a performance or game.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.