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How to Say "respite" in Spanish

English → Spanish

respiro

ress-PEE-roh/resˈpiɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'respiro' when you need a personal break or relief from daily pressures, stress, 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

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'.

tregua

TREH-gwah/ˈtɾeɣwa/

nounB2general
Use 'tregua' to describe a temporary pause or cessation from an ongoing difficult situation, conflict, or intense period of activity.
An exhausted hiker sitting on a large rock under a shady tree, drinking water and looking at a beautiful valley.

Examples

El trabajo no me da tregua esta semana.

Work is giving me no respite this week.

La lluvia no dio tregua durante todo el día.

The rain didn't let up all day long.

Using 'Dar'

To say something 'gives you a break' or 'lets up,' use the verb 'dar' (dar tregua).

Common Mix-up

Mistake: “Using 'descanso' for a ceasefire.”

Correction: Use 'descanso' for a physical rest, but 'tregua' for a formal stop in a conflict or a relentless situation.

Respiro vs. Tregua

Learners often confuse 'respiro' and 'tregua' by using 'respiro' for a more formal or prolonged cessation of hardship. Remember that 'respiro' is typically for personal relief, while 'tregua' implies a more objective, temporary halt to something difficult.

Related Translations

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