retroceder
/retɾoθeˈdeɾ/
The English phrase 'back off' can be translated into Spanish as retroceder.
The verb retroceder means to become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
Meaning: to become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, it is common to use the informal expressions Aléjate or Déjame tranquilo/a to say back off.
How do you pronounce it?
/retɾoθeˈdeɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the verb ceder as a root for retroceder, which also means 'to give in' or 'to yield' during an argument.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone to déjame tranquilo is a way to request 'back off' that emphasizes a need for mental peace rather than physical distance.
- If you tell someone ¡Atrás! to make them back off, you are using a command that is more commonly seen on warning signs or in historical military contexts than in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- Le ruego que se aleje. Necesito espacio para trabajar.I beg you to step away. I need space to work.
- El político tuvo que retroceder en su propuesta.The politician had to back off from his proposal.
- Tras la presión, el jefe decidió retroceder.After the pressure, the boss decided to back off.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a negotiation at work.
- MateoEl cliente quiere que retrocedas en el precio.The client wants you to back off on the price.
- ElenaNo puedo retroceder tanto ahora.I cannot back off that much now.
- MateoSi no retrocedes, perderemos el contrato.If you don't back off, we will lose the contract.
- ElenaEstá bien, voy a retroceder un poco.Fine, I am going to back off a little.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry retroceder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
