Inklingo

How to Say "nap" in Spanish

English → Spanish

siesta

see-ESS-tah/ˈsjes.ta/

nounA1general
Use 'siesta' for a customary nap, often taken after lunch, especially in warmer climates, or when you need a short rest during the day.
A figure wearing a wide-brimmed hat is peacefully asleep, resting on a blanket spread beneath a small shade tree.

Examples

Después del almuerzo, necesito una siesta corta.

After lunch, I need a short nap.

En verano, la siesta es obligatoria para recuperar energía.

In summer, the nap is mandatory to recover energy.

Mi abuelo siempre echa la siesta en el sofá.

My grandfather always takes a nap on the sofa.

Using the Verb 'Echar'

The most natural way to say 'to take a nap' in Spanish is using the verb 'echar' (to throw/cast) plus 'una siesta' or 'la siesta': 'Echar una siesta'.

Taking vs. Sleeping

Mistake: “Using 'tomar una siesta' (which is understandable but less common).”

Correction: Use 'echar una siesta' or 'dormir la siesta'. 'Echar' is often preferred for short, quick actions like taking a nap or a look.

dormida

dor-MEE-dah/doɾˈmiða/

nounB1general
Use 'dormida' to describe a brief, often unplanned period of sleep, like a quick doze or a short nap you take at any time of day.
A cozy illustration of a small kitten taking a nap, curled up and sleeping soundly on a soft yellow cushion in the daylight.

Examples

Después de comer, me voy a echar una dormida de veinte minutos.

After eating, I'm going to take a twenty-minute nap.

Necesito una buena dormida para recuperarme del viaje.

I need a good sleep to recover from the trip.

Using 'Echar'

The phrase 'echar una dormida' is very common. 'Echar' here means 'to toss' or 'to throw,' but in this context, it simply means 'to take' or 'to have' a short sleep.

Confusing 'Dormida' and 'Sueño'

Mistake: “Using 'dormida' when you mean 'dream' or 'sleepiness' ('Tengo mucha dormida').”

Correction: Use 'sueño' for 'sleepiness' ('Tengo mucho sueño') or 'dream' ('un sueño'). 'Dormida' is usually the *act* of taking a short rest.

Siesta vs. Dormida

Learners often overuse 'siesta' for any short sleep. Remember that 'siesta' specifically refers to the traditional post-lunch nap, while 'dormida' is a more general term for any brief sleep, regardless of the time or reason.

Related Translations

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