Deja
/dexa/from spelling rules
Deja is a Spanish phrase used to tell someone to stop doing something or to leave something alone.
The phrase is used to command someone to stop an action or to leave an object or situation alone. It is often followed by a noun or a pronoun to specify the object, such as deja eso (leave that or stop that). Additionally, the construction dejar que is used to mean "to let" or "to allow". In natural speech, deja is frequently combined with the object pronoun lo (it) to form déjalo (leave it or let it be). As a verb, it is also the third-person singular form of dejar, meaning "to leave" or "to let".
How does it change in a sentence?
Deja is the informal imperative (command) form of the verb dejar (to leave, to let or to stop).
How do you pronounce it?
/dexa/
Did you know?
- When used as dejar plantado, the word deja takes on a romantic connotation, meaning to 'stand someone up' on a date.
- The word deja is the root of the Spanish word dejadez, which describes a state of extreme laziness or a lack of spirit, moving the concept from 'leaving' to a permanent character flaw.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say deja followed by a person, such as deja a María, it changes meaning from 'stop' to 'abandon' or 'leave her'.
Examples in context
- Deja el libro en la mesa, por favor.Leave the book on the table, please.
- Mi jefe me deja salir temprano hoy.My boss is letting me leave early today.
- Nunca deja que sus emociones se muestren.She never lets her emotions show.
- Deja que la música te transporte a otro mundo.Let the music transport you to another world.
- Déjame en paz!Leave me alone!
- No me dejes!Don't leave me!
- Suéltame, deja de agobiarme!Let me go, stop bothering me!
- Déjalo, no vale la pena discutir con él.Leave it, it's not worth arguing with him.
- Juan siempre deja una buena impresión en las entrevistas.Juan always leaves a good impression in interviews.
- No te dejes influenciar por los demás.Don't let others influence you.
- Mi amiga me dejó plantado en el cine.My friend stood me up at the movies.
- Deja de hacer ruido, por favor.Stop making noise, please.
- Deja eso en la mesa.Leave that on the table.
- Deja de molestar a tu hermano.Stop bothering your brother.
Example conversation
Daniel is trying to work while Lucía plays loud music.
- DanielLucía, deja de poner esa música tan fuerte.Lucía, stop playing that music so loud.
- LucíaLo siento, Daniel, no sabía que te molestaba.I'm sorry, Daniel, I didn't know it bothered you.
- DanielSí, necesito concentrarme para estudiar.Yes, I need to concentrate to study.
- LucíaEstá bien, la apagaré ahora mismo.Okay, I will turn it off right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
