Inklingo

How to Say "recess" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “recess” is “pausa” — use 'pausa' when referring to a break in a formal setting like a meeting, court session, or even a general break from work.

English → Spanish

pausa

PAH-oo-sahˈpau̯.sa

nounA1general
Use 'pausa' when referring to a break in a formal setting like a meeting, court session, or even a general break from work.
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).

recreo

reh-KREH-ohreˈkɾeo

nounA1school
Use 'recreo' exclusively for the break time that students have during the school day, often for playing.
Children playing together on a sunny school playground with a slide and a ball.

Examples

Los niños juegan al fútbol en el recreo.

The children play soccer at recess.

Nos vemos en el patio durante el recreo.

We'll see each other in the courtyard during the break.

El profesor vigila a los alumnos en la hora del recreo.

The teacher watches the students during break time.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the standard rule and is always 'el recreo'.

Using 'at' or 'in'

To say 'at recess' or 'during break,' use the phrase 'en el recreo'.

Confusing with 'Descanso'

Mistake: “Using 'descanso' for school recess.”

Correction: While 'descanso' means break, 'recreo' is specifically used for the scheduled playtime at school.

School Break vs. General Break

The most common mistake is using 'pausa' when you mean the specific school break time. Remember, 'recreo' is the word for when kids get to run around and play during the school day.

Related Translations

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