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descansar means to rest — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 11, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

descansar

verb • /[des-can-SAR]/

to rest

Example:

Voy a descansar un rato después de comer.

I’ll rest for a bit after eating.

🧠 What does descansar mean?

The verb 'descansar' primarily means 'to rest' or 'to take a break' from physical or mental activity in order to recover strength. It is also used to refer to getting sleep. Additionally, 'descansar' can mean 'to rest on' or 'to be supported by' something physically. In a more formal or literary context, it means 'to lie' or 'to be buried', often seen in epitaphs.

📚 Extra examples

  • Después de una larga semana, solo quiero descansar el domingo.
    After a long week, I just want to rest on Sunday.
  • El médico me dijo que necesito descansar más.
    The doctor told me I need to rest more.
  • Su cabeza descansaba sobre la almohada.
    His head was resting on the pillow.

💡 Did You Know?

The verb 'descansar' is related to the noun 'el descanso', which means 'a rest', 'a break', or 'intermission'. The phrase 'descansar en paz' is the direct equivalent of 'rest in peace' and is often abbreviated as D.E.P. or Q.E.P.D. ('Que en paz descanse').

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "descansar"

Synonyms: reposar, relajarse, tomar un descanso
Opposites: trabajar, cansarse, agitarse

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to rest' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to rest' in Spanish is 'descansar'.
How do you pronounce 'descansar' in Spanish?
'descansar' is pronounced des-kan-SAR. The stress falls on the final syllable.
How do you use 'descansar' in a sentence?
It is used as a regular -ar verb. For example, 'Voy a descansar este fin de semana' (I am going to rest this weekend).
What is the English translation of 'descansar'?
The primary English translation of 'descansar' is 'to rest' or 'to take a break'.
Does 'descansar' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'descansar' does not change for gender or number. It is conjugated according to the subject and tense.
Is 'descansar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'descansar' is a very common and essential verb used daily in all Spanish-speaking regions.
Does 'descansar' have slang or double meanings?
Besides 'to rest', 'descansar' can mean 'to lie' or 'to be buried', as in 'Aquí descansa el poeta' (Here lies the poet). A common related phrase is 'Que en paz descanse' (Rest in peace). It does not typically have slang meanings.
Is 'descansar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage of 'descansar' is consistent across Spain and Latin America with no significant regional variations.
How do you conjugate 'descansar' in Spanish?
'descansar' is a regular -ar verb. In the present tense, it conjugates as: yo descanso, tú descansas, él/ella/usted descansa, nosotros descansamos, vosotros descansáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes descansan.

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