Necesito tiempo para descansar hoy.

I need time to rest today.

Breakdown of Necesito tiempo para descansar hoy.

• yo: I
• hoy: today
• descansar: to rest
• para: to
• necesitar: to need
• el tiempo: the time

Questions & Answers about Necesito tiempo para descansar hoy.

Why is "para" used in this sentence instead of "por"?

"Para" is used here to express the purpose or goal of needing time. It indicates why you need the time (in order to rest). In contrast, "por" often indicates a reason or cause, or a duration of time rather than a purpose.

Why is "descansar" in the infinitive form?

Any verb that follows "para" to express purpose in Spanish remains in the infinitive form. Since "descansar" is what you plan to do with the time, it stays unconjugated after "para".

Can I say "Necesito el tiempo para descansar hoy" with an article?

Although it’s possible to say "Necesito el tiempo para descansar hoy", in everyday Spanish you typically omit the article when talking about time in a general sense or when you simply mean "some time." Including "el" can slightly shift the meaning to something more specific, such as "the time we had set aside."

Is the word order flexible? Could I say "Hoy necesito tiempo para descansar"?

Yes, you can move "hoy" to the beginning of the sentence. Both "Necesito tiempo para descansar hoy" and "Hoy necesito tiempo para descansar" are correct and natural. Placing "hoy" at the front might give it a bit more emphasis.

Are there synonyms for "descansar" if I want to vary my vocabulary?

You could use "relajarme" (to relax), "reposar" (to rest, though more formal or literary), or "tomar un descanso" (to take a break). For instance, you could say "Necesito tiempo para relajarme hoy."