Nap cultures around the world
Explore words for naps and ways of resting in five regions.
Explore the world
A simplified map of continents and islands. Select a dot or region name to read more.
Spain · Siesta
Siesta refers to a short daytime rest. Spain’s traffic authority also provides nap guidance, but this does not mean everyone naps every day.
Spanish traffic authority guidance on sleepTaiwan · Lunchtime rest
Some schools provide rest or quiet study after lunch. A Taipei school handbook gives one example; practices differ by school.
Taipei Municipal Minglun High School handbookJapan · Naps and brief sleep
Some workplaces offer naps as a way to rest. Nishikawa introduces a nap space in its recruitment information. These are individual company examples, not a nationwide system.
Nishikawa recruitment · nap spaceChina · Wushui (午睡)
Wushui means a sleep around midday. China’s education ministry advises schools with suitable conditions to provide necessary daytime rest; practices differ by region and school.
China Ministry of Education guidance on school restKorea · Jjokjam
Jjokjam is a Korean word for a brief sleep in a small gap of time, commonly used to describe catching a quick nap.
How to use · Frequently asked questions
How to use
Select map dots or cards to explore each region.
Distinguish school and workplace examples from everyday vocabulary.
Practices vary by region, person and time.
Read the linked original sources before citing cultural examples.
Frequently asked questions
Does the map show exact borders?
It is a guide with hand-drawn continent outlines and approximate locations.
Does everyone in these places nap?
No. These are brief school and workplace examples, not claims about entire countries.
Can I cite the cards?
Copy a region link and check the original sources for school and workplace examples. The Korea card introduces an everyday word.