se marchó
/se maɾt͡ʃo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dipped out" can be translated into Spanish as se marchó.
When used colloquially, the term pirarse also describes leaving quickly or suddenly.
Which one should you use?
While se marchó is standard, se largó is a more colloquial and forceful way to express leaving suddenly or abruptly.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
se largó is informal. The term pirarse is a colloquial alternative for leaving suddenly.
How does it change in a sentence?
se marchó is the third-person singular preterite (past tense) of the reflexive verb marcharse, meaning "he/she/it dipped out". The third-person plural present tense of this verb is se marchan, meaning "they dip out".
How do you pronounce it?
/se maɾtʃo/
Did you know?
- The colloquial verb pirarse is derived from pirata, meaning 'pirate'. It evokes the image of a pirate slipping away quickly to avoid capture.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, se peló is used to say someone 'dipped out', using a verb that usually means 'to peel' or 'to skin'.
- The word se largó carries a heavy connotation of annoyance, suggesting the person left because they were fed up.
Examples in context
- Juan se fue sin decir adiós a nadie.Juan left without saying goodbye to anyone.
- Mi colega se marchó inesperadamente de la conferencia.My colleague left the conference unexpectedly.
- Que se pirate, no importa.Let her dip out, it doesn't matter.
- Sin avisar, se marchó de la fiesta.Without warning, he dipped out of the party.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are at a party.
- Javier¿Dónde está Marcos?Where is Marcos?
- ElenaNo lo sé, creo que se marchó.I don't know, I think he dipped out.
- JavierSe fue muy rápido.He left very quickly.
- ElenaSí, se marchó sin avisar.Yes, he dipped out without notice.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
