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"Acostarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to go to bed", and "descansar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to rest". Learn more about the difference between "acostarse" and "descansar" below.
acostarse(
ah
-
kohs
-
tahr
-
seh
)A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
2. (to recline)
a. to lie down
Se acostó en la arena y se puso la camisa en la cabeza.She lay down in the sand and put her shirt over her head.
acostar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to put to bed
Acosté a los niños, y luego me acosté yo.I put the children to bed and then went to bed myself.
a. to lay down
Acuesta a la paciente y levántale las piernas.Lay the patient down and raise her legs.
descansar(
dehs
-
kahn
-
sahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to have a break
Últimamente tengo mucho trabajo y solo descanso los domingos.I have a lot of work on lately and only have a break on Sundays.
a. to rest
En este lugar las almas desafortunadas pueden descansar en paz.This is a place where unfortunate souls can rest in peace.
a. to rest
El campo descansa un año entero cada tres años.The field rests for a full year once every three years.
