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How to Say "lull" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “lull” is “calma” — use 'calma' to describe a natural pause or cessation of activity, especially during something intense like a storm or conflict..

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calma

/KAL-mah//ˈkalma/

nounA2general
Use 'calma' to describe a natural pause or cessation of activity, especially during something intense like a storm or conflict.
A perfectly still, glassy blue lake surrounded by gentle green hills under a clear sky, symbolizing serenity.

Examples

La tormenta amainó y hubo un momento de calma.

The storm subsided and there was a moment of calm.

Respira profundo y busca la calma.

Take a deep breath and find your calm.

Me encanta la calma del mar por la mañana.

I love the calm of the sea in the morning.

Después de la discusión, hubo una calma tensa en la habitación.

After the argument, there was a tense quiet in the room.

Always Feminine: 'la calma'

Even though it describes a general feeling, 'calma' is a feminine word in Spanish. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la calma del océano' (the calm of the ocean).

respiro

ress-PEE-roh/resˈpiɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'respiro' to refer to a personal break or pause from work, a routine, or a demanding situation.
A small cartoon bear relaxing against a tree in a forest clearing, happily drinking lemonade, representing a pause or break from activity.

Examples

Me tomé un respiro del trabajo para tomar un café.

I took a break from work to have a coffee.

Necesito un respiro de la rutina diaria.

I need a break from the daily routine.

La tormenta nos dio un respiro del calor sofocante.

The storm gave us a respite from the suffocating heat.

Tómate un respiro, has estado trabajando por horas.

Take a break, you've been working for hours.

Masculine Noun Rule

'Respiro' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it, like 'el respiro' or 'un respiro'.

Calma vs. Respiro

Learners often confuse 'calma' and 'respiro' by using 'calma' for personal breaks. Remember that 'calma' usually refers to a general pause in an external event, while 'respiro' is a personal pause or relief you take for yourself.

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