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How to Say "to rest" in Spanish

English → Spanish

descansar

/dess-kahn-SAHR//des.kanˈsaɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'descansar' when you mean to take a break, relax, or stop working to recover energy.
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

/ah-POY-ah//aˈpoʝa/

VerbB1General
Use 'apoyar' (in this specific conjugational form 'apoya') when you mean to lean or place a part of your body or an object on something for support.
A wooden ladder resting against a sturdy brick wall.

Examples

Él apoya la escalera en la pared.

He leans the ladder against the wall.

Apoya tu cabeza en mi hombro.

Rest your head on my shoulder.

Physical Leaning

When using this word for leaning, you often use the word 'en' (on/in) or 'contra' (against) to show where the object is placed.

Resting vs. Supporting

The most common mistake is confusing 'descansar' (to take a break) with 'apoyar' (to lean or support). Remember that 'descansar' is about recovering energy, while 'apoyar' is about physical placement and support.

Related Translations

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