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"Descansar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to rest", and "acostarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to go to bed". Learn more about the difference between "descansar" and "acostarse" below.
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.
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.
