How to Say "stretched out" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “stretched out” is “echado” — use 'echado' when describing a relaxed, reclining posture, often associated with people or animals resting.
echado
eh-CHAH-doheˈt͡ʃa.ðo
Examples
El perro está echado en la alfombra.
The dog is lying stretched out on the rug.
El gato siempre está echado al sol en la ventana.
The cat is always lying down in the sun on the window.
Después de la comida, mi abuelo se queda echado en el sillón.
After lunch, my grandfather stays stretched out on the armchair.
Using 'Echado' as an Adjective
When used to describe how someone is positioned, 'echado' must match the person or thing you're describing in gender and number: echado (m. singular), echada (f. singular), echados (m. plural), echadas (f. plural).
Estar vs. Ser
Always use 'estar' (to be, temporary state) with this meaning, as it describes the current position: 'El niño está echado' (The boy is lying down).
Agreement Error
Mistake: “La niña está echado.”
Correction: La niña está echada. Remember to match the ending to the subject: '-a' for feminine, '-o' for masculine.
tumbado
toom-BAH-dohtumˈbaðo
Examples
Después de la maratón, me quedé tumbado en el sofá todo el día.
After the marathon, I stayed stretched out on the sofa all day.
Después del trabajo, me quedé tumbado en el sofá.
After work, I stayed lying down on the sofa.
El gato está tumbado al sol en la terraza.
The cat is lying in the sun on the terrace.
No puedes estar todo el día tumbada sin hacer nada.
You can't be lying down all day doing nothing.
Using with 'Estar'
Always use the verb 'estar' (to be) with this word because it describes a temporary physical position or state.
Matching Gender
The word changes its ending based on who is lying down. Use 'tumbado' for a man and 'tumbada' for a woman.
Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'
Mistake: “Soy tumbado.”
Correction: Estoy tumbado. (Because being lying down is a temporary state, not a permanent personality trait.)
extendido
ex-ten-DEE-dohekstenˈdiðo
Examples
El mapa está extendido sobre la mesa para que todos lo vean.
The map is spread out on the table for everyone to see.
El mapa está extendido sobre la mesa.
The map is spread out on the table.
Caminaba con los brazos extendidos.
He was walking with his arms stretched out.
Deja el mantel bien extendido para que no tenga arrugas.
Leave the tablecloth well spread out so it doesn't have wrinkles.
Matching the Noun
Because this word acts like a description (an adjective), it must change to match what you are describing. Use 'extendido' for masculine items (el mantel) and 'extendida' for feminine items (la sábana).
Extended vs. Long
Mistake: “Using 'extendido' to mean a long duration of time.”
Correction: Use 'prolongado' for time. 'Extendido' is usually about physical space or being unfolded.
Posture vs. Position
Related Translations
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