Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Nap in Spanish
Siesta · noun · see-EHS-tah
The Spanish word for nap is 'siesta,' a term so culturally significant that English borrowed it directly. A siesta traditionally refers to the midday rest taken after lunch, though it can describe any short daytime sleep. In casual speech, you might also hear 'echar una cabezadita' (to have a little head nod) for a very brief nap.
Pronounced see-EHS-tah with stress on the second syllable. The 'ie' combination creates a smooth diphthong, and the final 'a' is open and clear.
Después de comer, me gusta tomar una siesta corta.
After eating, I like to take a short nap.
Nap in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for nap, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| siesta | nap | see-EHS-tah | Default, widely understood |
| cabezadita | nap | Spain (short nap) | |
| pestañeo | nap | colloquial, brief nap |
How Native Speakers Use Siesta
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Daily routine
Mi abuelo siempre echa una siesta después del almuerzo.
My grandfather always takes a nap after lunch.
Uses the common expression 'echar una siesta' which is the most natural way to say 'take a nap' in Spanish.
Feeling tired
Estoy tan cansada que necesito una siesta de veinte minutos.
I'm so tired that I need a twenty-minute nap.
Shows how to specify the duration of a nap using 'de' plus a time expression.
Waking someone up
No lo despiertes, está tomando una cabezadita.
Don't wake him up, he's taking a quick nap.
Demonstrates the informal 'cabezadita' variant common in Spain for a very short nap.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Siesta
Literal translation of 'take a nap'
Incorrect: Voy a tomar una nap.
Correct: Voy a echar una siesta.
Spanish doesn't use the English word 'nap.' The correct expression is 'echar una siesta' or 'tomar una siesta,' with 'echar' being more colloquial.
Wrong verb colocation
Incorrect: Voy a hacer una siesta.
Correct: Voy a echar una siesta.
While 'hacer' (to do/make) is versatile, the standard collocations for siesta are 'echar' or 'tomar,' not 'hacer.'
Lock in Nap Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Siesta used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using siesta in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Después de comer, me gusta tomar una siesta corta. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Nap in Spanish
- Is 'siesta' only used for afternoon naps?
- While 'siesta' traditionally refers to the post-lunch rest period (typically between 2-5 PM), modern usage extends the word to any short daytime nap regardless of the specific hour.
- What's the difference between 'echar una siesta' and 'tomar una siesta'?
- Both expressions mean the same thing, but 'echar una siesta' is slightly more colloquial and common in everyday speech, while 'tomar una siesta' sounds a bit more formal and is equally understood across all Spanish-speaking regions.
- How do I say 'power nap' in Spanish?
- A power nap is commonly called 'siesta energética' or 'siesta corta' in Spanish, though some younger speakers also use the Anglicism 'power nap' in informal contexts, especially in business environments.