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How to Say "rest" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “rest” is “descanso” — use 'descanso' for a general state or period of rest, like needing a break after activity..

English → Spanish

descanso

/des-CAN-so//desˈkanso/

nounA1general
Use 'descanso' for a general state or period of rest, like needing a break after activity.
A person peacefully resting in a bright blue hammock strung between two palm trees.

Examples

Necesito un descanso después de caminar tanto.

I need a rest after walking so much.

El médico me ordenó descanso absoluto por dos días.

The doctor ordered me complete rest for two days.

¿Tomamos cinco minutos de descanso?

Shall we take a five-minute break?

Using the Verb Form

This noun comes from the verb 'descansar' (to rest). If you want to say 'I am resting,' use the verb: 'Estoy descansando' instead of trying to use the noun.

Confusing 'descanso' and 'sueño'

Mistake: “Using 'descanso' when you specifically mean 'sleep' (sueño/dormir).”

Correction: While rest is related to sleep, 'descanso' usually refers to a waking break or relaxation. Sleep itself is 'sueño'.

apoyo

ah-POY-oh/aˈpoʝo/

nounA2general
Use 'apoyo' to mean support, whether physical or emotional, like help given to someone.
A large, strong pillar made of stone holding up a heavy wooden roof beam, illustrating physical support.

Examples

Gracias por tu apoyo incondicional durante la crisis.

Thank you for your unconditional support during the crisis.

El proyecto recibió un gran apoyo del gobierno local.

The project received great backing from the local government.

Necesitamos un punto de apoyo estable para subir la escalera.

We need a stable point of rest/support to climb the ladder.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'apoyo' ends in -o, it is almost always a masculine noun and uses the article 'el' (el apoyo, un apoyo).

resto

/RREHS-toh//'resto/

nounA2general
Use 'resto' to refer to the remaining part or the rest of something, like the remainder of a group.
A colorful blueberry pie with one slice removed, clearly showing the large remaining portion on the plate.

Examples

El resto del grupo llegará más tarde.

The rest of the group will arrive later.

Puedes comerte el resto de la pizza si quieres.

You can eat the rest of the pizza if you want.

Guardamos los restos de la cena para el almuerzo de mañana.

We saved the leftovers from dinner for tomorrow's lunch.

Always Use 'el resto de'

When you want to say 'the rest of something', you always need to add 'de' after 'el resto'. For example, 'el resto del día' (the rest of the day) or 'el resto de la gente' (the rest of the people).

'el resto' vs. 'los restos'

Mistake: “Usé el resto para hablar de la comida que sobró.”

Correction: Generally, for 'leftovers' (food), it's better to use the plural form: 'Guardé los restos de la cena'. 'El resto' refers to the remaining part of a single thing, like 'el resto de la película' (the rest of the movie).

descanse

des-CAHN-seh/desˈkanse/

verbA2formal
Use 'descanse' as a formal command or request for someone (usted) to rest.
A person is lying down peacefully in a brightly colored hammock strung between two trees, illustrating the concept of rest.

Examples

Por favor, descanse y recupere energías.

Please, rest and recover your energy.

Señora Pérez, descanse un poco antes de la reunión.

Mrs. Pérez, rest a little before the meeting.

No se preocupe, descanse tranquilo.

Don't worry, rest easy.

Formal Commands

When you want to give a polite order or request to someone you address as 'Usted' (formal 'you'), you use this specific verb form, which looks exactly like the 'yo' form of the present subjunctive.

Negative Commands

To tell someone formally not to rest, you use the same form but add 'no' in front: 'No descanse todavía' (Don't rest yet).

dormida

dor-MEE-dah/doɾˈmiða/

nounB1informal
Use 'dormida' specifically for a nap or a short sleep taken during the 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.

tregua

TREH-gwah/ˈtɾeɣwa/

nounB2general
Use 'tregua' for a temporary pause or respite from something difficult, like work or pain.
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.

General Rest vs. Specific Pause

Learners often confuse 'descanso' (general rest/break) with 'tregua' (a pause from something difficult). Remember, 'descanso' is for recuperation, while 'tregua' implies a temporary cessation of hardship.

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