recostarse (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /rekosˈtaɾse/

Translation Options into English

• to lie down
• to recline
• to lean back

Meaning and Usage

The verb "recostarse" is used in Spanish to indicate the action of lying down or reclining, typically to rest or relax. It implies a more horizontal position, often for comfort or sleep. This term is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, though it may be more frequent in conversational speech given its informal nature.

Example Sentences

1. Me gusta recostarme en el sofá después de un largo día.

2. I like to lie down on the sofa after a long day.

3. Ella se recostó en la cama para leer un libro.

4. She reclined on the bed to read a book.

5. A veces, solo quiero recostarme y olvidar mis problemas.

6. Sometimes, I just want to lie down and forget my problems.

Idiomatic Expressions

The verb "recostarse" can also appear in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few significant ones:

1. Recostarse sobre la suerte.
2. To lean on luck.
3. No puedes solo recostarte sobre la suerte; también necesitas trabajar duro.

4. You can't just lean on luck; you also need to work hard.

5. Recostarse a la sombra.

6. To lean in the shade.
7. Después de caminar por horas, decidimos recostarnos a la sombra de un árbol.

8. After walking for hours, we decided to lean in the shade of a tree.

9. Recostarse en problemas.

10. To lean into problems or issues.
11. No debes recostarte en problemas; busca soluciones en su lugar.

12. You shouldn't lean into problems; look for solutions instead.

13. Recostarse sobre los lauros pasados.

14. To rest on past laurels.
15. Es fácil recostarse sobre los lauros pasados, pero se necesita esfuerzo continuo para seguir adelante.
16. It's easy to rest on past laurels, but continuous effort is needed to move forward.

Etymology

The word "recostarse" comes from the prefix "re-" which generally indicates repetition or back, combined with "costar," meaning to lie down or to cost. Its roots can be traced back to Latin "recostare," meaning to lean back or recline.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Acostarse (to lie down)
• Reclinarse (to lean back)

Antonyms

• Levantarse (to get up)
• Erguirse (to stand up straight)