have a nap
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Littéralement: Possess a short sleep
Use `have a nap` for short daytime rests to sound natural and relaxed in English.
En 15 secondes
- A short sleep taken during the day to restore energy.
- Commonly used in casual and neutral daily conversations.
- Usually lasts between 20 minutes and an hour.
Signification
This phrase means to sleep for a short time during the day. It is usually a quick rest to get your energy back.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Feeling tired after a big meal
That Sunday roast was huge; I think I'll go have a nap.
That Sunday roast was huge; I think I'll go have a nap.
Talking to a tired colleague on a break
You look exhausted; why don't you have a nap in the breakroom?
You look exhausted; why don't you have a nap in the breakroom?
Texting a friend about weekend plans
Can't talk now, having a nap. Text you in an hour!
Can't talk now, having a nap. Text you in an hour!
Contexte culturel
While many Mediterranean cultures have the 'siesta,' English-speaking cultures often view 'having a nap' as a quick 'power' move to boost productivity. It has evolved from something only children do to a popular wellness trend for busy professionals.
Have vs. Take
In British English, 'have a nap' is more common. In American English, 'take a nap' is the standard. Both are understood everywhere!
Don't oversleep!
If you say you are 'having a nap' but sleep for 4 hours, your friends might joke that you were 'hibernating' like a bear.
En 15 secondes
- A short sleep taken during the day to restore energy.
- Commonly used in casual and neutral daily conversations.
- Usually lasts between 20 minutes and an hour.
What It Means
Have a nap is all about a short, daytime rest. It is not your long sleep at night. Think of it as a quick battery recharge. You feel tired after lunch? You have a nap. It usually lasts 20 to 60 minutes. It is the ultimate luxury for busy adults.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a verb. You can say "I am going to have a nap." It sounds very natural and relaxed. You can also use take a nap. Both mean the exact same thing. Just don't try to have a nap for eight hours. That is just called sleeping!
When To Use It
Use it when you feel a bit sluggish in the afternoon. It is perfect for weekends or days off. You might tell your partner, "I'm going to have a nap before dinner." It is also common when talking about babies or elderly people. If you are working from home, it is a great way to escape a boring email chain for twenty minutes.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a serious business meeting. Saying "I need to have a nap" while your boss is talking is a bad career move. Also, don't use it for nighttime sleep. If it is 11:00 PM, you are going to bed, not having a nap. It is strictly for sunlit hours or quick rests.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, the "power nap" is a big deal. It is seen as a way to be more productive. In the UK and US, people often joke about being "nap queens" or "nap kings." It is a relatable struggle of adult life. We all want one, but we rarely have the time!
Common Variations
You will often hear take a nap or catch a nap. Some people call it a catnap if it is very short. If it is for energy, call it a power nap. If you are feeling British, you might even say you are going to have a kip.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and works in almost any daily situation. Just remember that 'have' is slightly more common in the UK, while 'take' dominates in the US.
Have vs. Take
In British English, 'have a nap' is more common. In American English, 'take a nap' is the standard. Both are understood everywhere!
Don't oversleep!
If you say you are 'having a nap' but sleep for 4 hours, your friends might joke that you were 'hibernating' like a bear.
The Power Nap
A 'power nap' is exactly 20 minutes. It's a cultural 'hack' to wake up feeling like a superhero without the grogginess.
Exemples
6That Sunday roast was huge; I think I'll go have a nap.
That Sunday roast was huge; I think I'll go have a nap.
Very common usage after eating a heavy lunch.
You look exhausted; why don't you have a nap in the breakroom?
You look exhausted; why don't you have a nap in the breakroom?
A friendly suggestion between coworkers.
Can't talk now, having a nap. Text you in an hour!
Can't talk now, having a nap. Text you in an hour!
Short and direct for text messaging.
The house is finally quiet because the baby is having a nap.
The house is finally quiet because the baby is having a nap.
Standard way to describe a child's sleep schedule.
I went to a party and my first thought was: 'I wish I could have a nap right now.'
I went to a party and my first thought was: 'I wish I could have a nap right now.'
Self-deprecating humor about energy levels.
Try to have a nap while the medicine kicks in.
Try to have a nap while the medicine kicks in.
Used to show care and concern for someone's health.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
I usually ___ a nap on Saturday afternoons.
In English, we 'have' or 'take' a nap. We never 'do' or 'make' one.
Identify the best context for this phrase.
It is 2:00 PM and Sarah is tired. She says: 'I'm going to ___.'
Since it is 2:00 PM, a short daytime rest is called 'having a nap'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Have a Nap'
Used with friends and family.
I'm gonna have a nap.
Standard daily English.
I need to have a nap.
Rarely used; usually replaced by 'rest'.
I shall take a brief rest.
When to Have a Nap
Sunday Afternoon
Relaxing on the sofa.
After School
Recharging after classes.
Feeling Unwell
Resting to recover.
Travel
Napping on a long bus ride.
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Have a nap' is always short and during the day. 'Sleep' is the general act and usually refers to the long rest at night.
Yes, 'take a nap' is perfectly correct and very common, especially in the United States.
It depends on your office culture. It's fine to say to a friend during lunch, but don't say it in a formal meeting.
Usually between 15 and 60 minutes. Anything longer might be called a 'heavy sleep' or 'passing out'!
Yes, it is a neutral and polite phrase. It is not rude to tell someone you are going to have a nap.
Yes, 'napping' is the verb form. You can say 'I was napping when you called.'
A 'catnap' is a very short nap, like 5 or 10 minutes, similar to how a cat sleeps fitfully.
Absolutely. While it's common for children, adults use it constantly to talk about their own tiredness.
In formal settings, you might say 'I am going to lie down' or 'I need a brief rest.'
No, 'make a nap' is a common mistake. Always use have or take.
Expressions liées
take a nap (American variation)
catch some Zs (slang for sleeping)
power nap (short, 20-minute nap)
forty winks (idiom for a short nap)
get some rest (more general term)
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