Spanish Phrase
Descansamos por la tarde.
Meaning
This phrase describes the action of taking a break or relaxing during the afternoon hours. It uses the present tense of the verb 'descansar' to indicate a habitual routine or a current state involving a group of people.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing daily routines, travel plans, or explaining what you and others usually do after lunch. It is ideal for social settings or when describing lifestyle habits to friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Descansamosporlatarde
Descansamos
This is the first-person plural (nosotros) form of the verb 'descansar' in the present indicative.
Por la tarde
A common prepositional phrase used to denote 'during the afternoon' or 'in the afternoon'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué suelen hacer después del almuerzo?
What do you usually do after lunch?
Descansamos por la tarde.
We rest in the afternoon.
✕Common Mistakes
Descansamos en la tarde.
In many contexts, especially in Spain, 'por' is the preferred preposition for periods of the day like 'la tarde'.
Nos descansamos por la tarde.
The verb 'descansar' is not reflexive; adding 'nos' before the conjugated verb is unnecessary and incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Tomamos una siesta.
We take a nap.
Nos relajamos después de comer.
We relax after eating.
Cultural Tip
In Spain and some Latin American countries, the 'siesta' is a culturally significant period of rest in the mid-afternoon. While modern work schedules have changed this tradition in big cities, many smaller towns still observe a quiet period where shops close for a few hours.