siesta

/si'estə/

Thân thiện

People take a siesta in the shade during the warm afternoon.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A short sleep or rest taken in the early afternoon, especially in warm climates: A siesta is a period of sleep or relaxation, typically occurring after the midday meal. It is particularly associated with cultures in hot countries where the afternoon heat makes work difficult.

Usage

• The word "siesta" is used as a countable noun.
• It describes a specific cultural practice of taking an afternoon break.
• It is often used in contexts discussing daily routines, health, or cultural traditions in Spanish-speaking countries and other warm regions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The shops are closed between 2 and 5 pm for the traditional siesta.
  • After a large lunch, he likes to take a short siesta.
  • The concept of a siesta helps people avoid working during the hottest part of the day.

Advanced Usage

• "To have/take a siesta": This is the standard collocation for describing the action.
  • The whole village seems to have a siesta in the afternoon.
• Cultural Context: The term often implies more than just sleep; it can represent a break in the day's activities for rest and family time.
  • The siesta is an integral part of the local lifestyle, not just a nap.

Variants and Related Words

• Nap (n): A short sleep, especially during the day. (A more general term, not specific to the afternoon or hot climates).
• Rest (n): A period of relaxing, ceasing work, or sleeping.
• Afternoon nap (n phrase): A more descriptive, neutral term for a siesta.

Synonyms

• Afternoon nap: A sleep taken in the afternoon.
• Catnap: A very short, light sleep.
• Doze: A short, light sleep.

Antonyms

• Insomnia: The inability to sleep.
• Wakefulness: The state of being awake.

Related Phrases and Cultural Notes

• Siesta time: Refers to the specific hours of the day when this break is traditionally observed.
  • The city is very quiet during siesta time.
• While not a phrasal verb or idiom in English, "siesta" itself is a loanword from Spanish (originating from Latin meaning "the sixth hour" or noon). Its use in English directly evokes the specific cultural practice.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)