Translation guide
A short nap taken in the early afternoon, especially common in hot climates. In Japanese, this is often expressed with specific words for napping or resting.
To refer to a short sleep taken in the afternoon, similar to a siesta.
The most common word for an afternoon nap. It literally means 'daytime sleep' and is used for any nap during the day, including a siesta.
To describe taking a break or resting in the afternoon, not necessarily sleeping.
A general phrase meaning 'to take a rest'. It can be used for a siesta-like break even if you don't sleep.
午後は少し休息を取りましょう。
Let's take a short rest in the afternoon.
To refer specifically to the Spanish tradition of a siesta, often in a cultural discussion.
昼寝 is the go-to word for any daytime nap. You can use it with the verb する (to do) or 取る (to take). For example, 昼寝をする or 昼寝を取る. The latter sounds slightly more deliberate.
シエスタ is a loanword specifically for the Spanish cultural practice. Using it for a regular nap might sound odd or overly exotic. Stick to 昼寝 for everyday situations.
If you take a nap, you can stay energetic in the afternoon too.
A polite or affectionate form of 昼寝, often used when talking about children's naps or in a gentle context.
子供はお昼寝の時間です。
It's nap time for the child.
A formal or literary term for an afternoon nap. It is rarely used in everyday conversation.
夏の午睡は格別だ。
A summer afternoon nap is exceptional.
A casual way to say 'take a short break'. It implies a brief rest, which could include a nap or just relaxing.
ちょっと一休みしてから続けよう。
Let's take a short break and then continue.
The loanword directly from Spanish. It is understood in Japanese when talking about the Spanish custom.
スペインではシエスタの習慣があります。
In Spain, there is a custom of siesta.