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How to Say "to rest" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to rest” is “descansar” — use 'descansar' when you mean to take a break from an activity to relax or recover energy, often after exertion.

English → Spanish

descansar

dess-kahn-SAHRdes.kanˈsaɾ

VerbA1General
Use 'descansar' when you mean to take a break from an activity to relax or recover energy, often after exertion.
A high quality storybook illustration of a small bear cub sleeping peacefully in a green hammock strung between two trees, representing taking a break.

Examples

Necesito descansar después de este largo viaje.

I need to rest after this long trip.

¿Por qué no descansas la vista un rato?

Why don't you rest your eyes for a while?

Descansamos el sábado y el domingo.

We rest (are off work) on Saturday and Sunday.

A Regular AR Verb

This verb follows the easiest conjugation pattern (AR ending), so once you know one 'AR' verb, you know 'descansar'!

Confusing 'descansar' and 'relajarse'

Mistake: “Me voy a descansar en la playa. (I am going to rest at the beach.)”

Correction: While okay, 'Me voy a relajar en la playa' (I am going to relax at the beach) is often more natural for leisure activities.

apoya

VerbB1General
Use 'apoyar' when you are talking about placing or leaning a part of your body, or an object, onto something else for support.

Examples

Él apoya la escalera en la pared.

He leans the ladder against the wall.

reposar

re-po-SARrepoˈsaɾ

VerbB1General
Use 'reposar' specifically for physical rest or recovery, often after exercise or when you need to let something (like food or a drink) settle.
A peaceful cat curled up and sleeping on a soft pillow.

Examples

Después de correr, necesito reposar un poco.

After running, I need to rest a bit.

El doctor me recomendó reposar en cama por tres días.

The doctor recommended that I stay in bed for three days.

Es bueno reposar la comida antes de volver al trabajo.

It's good to let your food digest (rest) before going back to work.

Reposar vs. Descansar

While both mean 'to rest,' reposar is more about physical stillness or staying in one place, while descansar is more general (like taking a break from work).

Resting an Object

Mistake: “Me gusta descansar la comida.”

Correction: Me gusta reposar la comida. (Use 'reposar' for the physical process of settling or digesting.)

posar

po-sarpoˈsaɾ

VerbB2General
Use 'posar' when you are carefully placing an object down, often with a sense of gentleness or precision, putting weight on a surface.
A hand carefully setting a porcelain teacup onto a table.

Examples

Posó la taza sobre el plato sin hacer ruido.

He placed the cup on the plate without making a sound.

El abuelo posó su mano sobre mi hombro.

My grandfather rested his hand on my shoulder.

El colibrí se posó en la flor.

The hummingbird landed on the flower.

Using it with 'se'

When an animal (like a bird or butterfly) lands on something, we use the reflexive 'posarse': 'La mariposa se posó en mi nariz' (The butterfly landed on my nose).

Posar vs. Poner

Mistake: “Posó el libro en la mochila.”

Correction: Puso el libro en la mochila. ('Posar' implies a gentle, deliberate resting action, usually on a surface, not just putting something anywhere).

Confusing 'descansar' with 'apoyar'/'posar'

Learners often confuse 'descansar' (to take a break/relax) with 'apoyar' or 'posar' (to place or lean something). Remember that 'descansar' is about your own state of rest, while 'apoyar' and 'posar' are about the action of placing an object or yourself in contact with a surface.

Related Translations

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