despejar
/despeˈxaɾ/
In Spanish, the phrase 'clear out' can be translated as despejar. If unsure, use despejar. Wiktionary also lists escombrear and espejar.
Meaning: transitive: to remove or eject (from), especially forcibly (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| despejar | /despeˈxaɾ/ | |
| escombrear | /eskombɾeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| espejar | /espexaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | vulgar |
The verb despejar is used to describe the act of clearing out or removing obstacles, clutter or obstructions.
Which one should you use?
While despejar is a general term for clearing out, escombrear is used specifically when the action involves removing rubble, debris or ruins from a location.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Despejar is the standard and formal way to express this idea. In contrast, espejar is a vulgar slang term and should be avoided in polite or standard conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Despejar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows the standard patterns for the first conjugation in Spanish.
How do you pronounce it?
/despeˈxaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word despejar shares a root with the Latin word pes, meaning 'foot'. It originally referred to removing the ropes used to tie an animal's legs to the ground.
- In a sporting context, despejar is the specific term used when a player kicks or hits the ball away from their own goal to clear the danger.
- In Spanish, if someone's mind is 'clear' or they have 'cleared their head' to think better, they use the verb despejar.
Examples in context
- Por favor, vacíe la habitación antes de las 10 am.Please clear out the room before 10 am.
- Necesitamos despejar la zona para la reunión.We need to clear out the area for the meeting.
- ¿Puedes limpiar el refrigerador antes de que lleguen los invitados?Can you clear out the refrigerator before the guests arrive?
- Debemos despejar la calle para que pase la ambulancia.We must clear the street so the ambulance can pass.
- El guardia tuvo que despejar el edificio rápidamente.The guard had to clear the building quickly.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are organizing a crowded room for a party.
- MateoSofía, necesitamos despejar el salón pronto.Sofía, we need to clear out the living room soon.
- SofíaEstá bien, moveré estas cajas afuera.All right, I will move these boxes outside.
- MateoGracias, así tendremos más espacio.Thanks, that way we will have more space.
- SofíaYa casi termino de despejar todo.I'm almost finished clearing everything out.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clear out” translations and entries despejar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries despejar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
