siesta

nap

noun SYEHS-tah Rare

Origin: From Latin sexta (hora), the sixth hour of the day (midday).

Also means

afternoon rest

Usage Note

Siesta is a loanword in English, but in Spanish it refers specifically to a short rest after the midday meal, traditionally lasting up to two hours. Echar una siesta or dormir la siesta are the standard collocations. The etymology from sexta hora (the sixth hour, i.e. noon) explains the midday timing.

Examples

"Echa una siesta después de comer."

Natural Translation

She takes a nap after lunch.

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