Portuguese Phrase
Às vezes tiro um cochilinho.
Meaning
Literally, 'Sometimes I take a little nap.' The diminutive 'cochilinho' signals that the nap is short and informal, often taken to recharge briefly during the day.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to tell someone that you occasionally nap for a short period, especially after lunch or when you feel a bit tired. It’s a casual, friendly way to talk about a brief rest.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Às vezestiroumcochilinho
Às vezes
Adverbial phrase meaning 'sometimes'. It is a contraction of the preposition 'a' + the plural article 'as' + the noun 'vezes' (times).
tiro
First‑person singular present of the verb 'tirar' (to take, to get). In this context it means 'I take' a nap.
um
Indefinite article used before masculine singular nouns.
cochilinho
Diminutive of 'cochilo' (nap). The suffix '-inho' adds a sense of smallness or affection, implying a brief, light nap.
🗨In Conversation
Você costuma ficar cansado à tarde?
Do you usually get tired in the afternoon?
Às vezes tiro um cochilinho.
Sometimes I take a little nap.
✕Common Mistakes
Às vezes eu tiro um cochilinho.
The pronoun 'eu' is optional; including it isn’t wrong, but native speakers usually omit it for brevity.
Às vezes tiro um cochilo.
Missing the diminutive loses the nuance of a short, light nap.
Às vezes durmo um cochilinho.
The verb 'dormir' is not used with 'cochilo'; you 'tira' (take) a nap, not 'dorme' (sleep) it.
↔Alternatives
Às vezes dou uma soneca.
Sometimes I take a nap.
De vez em quando faço um cochilo.
Every now and then I have a nap.
De vez em quando descanso um pouco.
From time to time I rest a bit.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, short naps are called 'cochilo' or 'soneca' and are especially common after the midday meal (almoço). The diminutive 'cochilinho' adds a playful tone, suggesting the nap is brief and not a full‑blown siesta. In more formal settings you might avoid the diminutive and simply say 'faço um cochilo'.